Key takeaways
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) and apixaban (Eliquis) are both anticoagulant medications used to prevent and treat blood clots, and they help lower the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) that isn't caused by heart valve problems. However, they have a few differences. Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor, while apixaban is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that blocks factor Xa. Dabigatran is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas apixaban is only available as a brand-name medication. Dabigatran is typically dosed at 150 mg twice daily for adults, while apixaban is usually taken at 5 mg twice daily. Dabigatran can cause stomach upset and bleeding, and it has an antidote called Praxbind (idarucizumab) for serious bleeding. Apixaban also increases bleeding risk but has a different antidote called Andexxa (andexanet alfa). Nether medication is recommended for people with mechanical heart valves. Both medications can interact with other medications, including blood-thinning medications, so it's important to discuss all medications you are taking with your healthcare professional.
