Dabigatran vs. Enoxaparin for Deep Vein Thrombosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Dabigatran

(Pradaxa)

Enoxaparin

(Lovenox)

Summary for Dabigatran

Prescription only

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to help prevent and treat blood clots in adults and children. It's approved for certain conditions, including atrial fibrillation (AFib), where it lowers the risk of stroke. The medication comes as oral capsules and oral pellets that you take by mouth once or twice a day, depending on your condition. Common side effects include stomach upset and bleeding. If serious bleeding occurs, another medication called Praxbind (idarucizumab) can quickly reverse its blood-thinning effects.

Indications for Dabigatran

Adults:

Lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in certain people with atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) - after 5 to 10 days of treatment with an injectable blood thinner
Lower the risk of DVT and PE from happening again in those who finished treatment
Prevent DVT or PE after hip replacement surgery

Children (3 months and older):

Treat blood clots - after 5 days of treatment with an injectable blood thinner
Lower the risk of blood clots from happening again in those who finished treatment

Pros and Cons for Dabigatran

Pros

Doesn't require regular blood tests, frequent dose changes, or diet changes
Has a specific reversal agent (Praxbind) for emergency situations
Approved for both adults and children

Cons

Most commonly taken twice a day
Can raise the risk of serious bleeding
Commonly causes stomach-related side effects like stomach upset and nausea

Common Side Effects for Dabigatran

Upset stomach
Nausea
Stomach pain
Bleeding

Warnings for Dabigatran

Higher risk of blood clots from stopping too early
Bleeding around the spine (after certain spinal procedures)
Risk of bleeding
Not for people with mechanical heart valves
Interactions with other medications
Not for people with antiphospholipid syndrome

Summary for Enoxaparin

Prescription only

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a blood thinner that's used to treat and prevent blood clots and other clotting-related conditions. It's given as an injection under the skin in the stomach. The dosing for enoxaparin (Lovenox) depends mostly on your weight, but also on why you need the medication. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a preferred choice for pregnant women, but it might not be the best option if they have prosthetic (artificial) heart valves. Side effects aren't common, but can include bleeding or bruising at the injection site. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is available as a brand and generic medication.

Indications for Enoxaparin

Prevention of blood clots in the arms or legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE) in:
- People having stomach, hip, or knee surgery
- People who aren't able to move well
- People with a certain type of chest pain called unstable angina
Treatment of blood clots
Heart attack

Pros and Cons for Enoxaparin

Pros

Works well to treat several types of blood-clotting problems
Safe to use during pregnancy (except those with prosthetic heart valves)
Possible medication available that might help work as an antidote (reversal agent) to reverse effects
Blood tests are available to check how well the medication is working, but they're not required

Cons

Only available as an injection, which can be uncomfortable
Might be difficult for some people to inject at home
Might not be a good option for people with kidney problems
Can cause a serious low platelet condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)

Common Side Effects for Enoxaparin

Abnormal liver tests (6%)
Major bleeding (up to 4%)

Warnings for Enoxaparin

Risk of bleeding around the spinal cord during other injections near the spine
Risk of bleeding
Low platelet counts and clotting problems
Higher risk of clots in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves
Risk of serious breathing problem in infants (gasping syndrome)

Prices with our coupons for Dabigatran vs. Enoxaparin

Dabigatran60 capsules / 150mg

$46.09$215.09

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Enoxaparin12 syringes / 40mg/0.4ml

$46.20$92.15

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Dabigatran vs. Enoxaparin

Dabigatran

Enoxaparin

Summary for Dabigatran

Indications for Dabigatran

Pros and Cons for Dabigatran

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dabigatran

Warnings for Dabigatran

Summary for Enoxaparin

Indications for Enoxaparin

Pros and Cons for Enoxaparin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Enoxaparin

Warnings for Enoxaparin

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Dabigatran

Enoxaparin

Summary for Dabigatran

Indications for Dabigatran

Pros and Cons for Dabigatran

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dabigatran

Warnings for Dabigatran

Summary for Enoxaparin

Indications for Enoxaparin

Pros and Cons for Enoxaparin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Enoxaparin

Warnings for Enoxaparin