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Compare Effient vs. Eliquis

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Prasugrel (Effient) and Eliquis (apixaban) are both blood thinners, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. Prasugrel is a P2Y12 inhibitor that prevents blood clots in people who have had a stent placed after a heart attack. Eliquis on the other hand, is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that blocks a clotting factor called factor Xa to prevent and treat blood clots in conditions like atrial fibrillation (Afib), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). Prasugrel is taken once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Eliquis is taken twice daily, and while a generic version of Eliquis has been approved, it may not be available until 2026. Prasugrel has a higher risk of bleeding and isn’t recommended for people over 75 or those with a history of stroke. Eliquis also increases bleeding risk but is considered a first-choice treatment for preventing stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and doesn’t require regular blood work. Neither medication should be stopped abruptly without consulting a healthcare professional due to the risk of serious blood clots.

  • Prasugrel (Effient)
    Eliquis (apixaban)
  • Prasugrel (Effient)
    Eliquis (apixaban)

  • Summary of Effient vs. Eliquis

    Summary for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Prasugrel (also known by its brand name Effient) is a medication that's used as a blood thinner to prevent blood clots in people who have a stent placed in their heart after a heart attack. This medication is also available as a lower-cost generic tablet. The dose is taken once per day. Since prasugrel (Effient) is a blood thinner, an important warning to note is that the medication can make it easier for you to bleed or bruise. Other side effects can include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and headache.

    Summary for Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)
    Prescription only

    Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to prevent and treat blood clots. It can lower the risk of serious conditions like stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). The medication comes as a tablet or liquid and is taken by mouth twice a day. Common side effects include bleeding and bruising. Although generic versions have been approved by the FDA, they might not be available until 2026.

  • Indications of Effient vs. Eliquis

    Indications for
    •Prevention of blood clot problems in people who received a stent after a heart attack
    Indications for

    Adults:

    •Lower the risk of stroke or blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem
    •Treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) or lungs (pulmonary embolism (PE))
    •Prevent DVT and PE after knee or hip replacement surgery
    •Lower the risk of DVT or PE coming back after treatment

    Children:

    •Treat blood clots and lower the risk of new clots in children from birth and older

  • Pros and Cons of Effient vs. Eliquis

    Pros and Const for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well at preventing clots
    •Works better than clopidogrel (Plavix) to lower your risk of complications after a heart attack
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Has a higher risk of bleeding than clopidogrel (Plavix)
    •Only used for people who have a stent in their heart
    •Not recommended for people age 75 years and older because of the higher risk of bleeding
    •Shouldn't use for people with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack ((TIA or "mini-stroke")
    Pros and Const for Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)
    Pros
    •No regular blood monitoring required
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Approved for both children and adults
    Cons
    •Need to take it twice a day
    •Most common side effect is bleeding
    •Not easily reversible in life-threatening bleeds

  • Common Side Effects of Effient vs. Eliquis

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure (8%)
    •High cholesterol (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Bleeding of any kind (5%)
    •Back pain (5%)
    •Shortness of breath (5%)
    •Nausea (5%)
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Cough (4%)
    •Low blood pressure (4%)
    •Fatigue (4%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Any bleeding (up to 15%)

    Children:

    •Any bleeding (up to 36%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Vomiting (14%)

  • Warnings of Effient vs. Eliquis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack if stopped suddenly or too early
    •Blood-clotting problem called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of blood clots if stopped too early
    •Paralysis in the spine
    •Bleeding
    •Not recommended in people with prosthetic heart valves
    •Not recommended in people with antiphospholipid syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Effient vs. Eliquis

    Learn more about Prasugrel
    Learn more about Eliquis

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