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Compare Eliquis vs. Brilinta

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

Key takeaways

Eliquis (apixaban) and Brilinta (ticagrelor) are both medications used to prevent blood clots, but they belong to different classes and work in distinct ways. Eliquis is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that blocks factor Xa to prevent clots, while Brilinta is an antiplatelet medication that stops platelets from clumping together. Both medications are taken orally. Eliquis is FDA-approved for conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), while Brilinta is used for other heart-related issues like acute coronary syndrome and stroke prevention. Eliquis is typically taken twice daily and is only available as a brand-name medication. Brilinta is also taken twice daily and does not have a generic version available. Common side effects of both medications include bleeding and bruising. Both medications can increase bleeding risk and have potential interactions that can also raise the risk of bleeding.

  • Eliquis (apixaban)
    Brilinta (ticagrelor)
  • Eliquis (apixaban)
    Brilinta (ticagrelor)

  • Summary of Eliquis vs. Brilinta

    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.

    Summary for Antiplatelet
    Prescription only

    Brilinta (ticagrelor) is an antiplatelet blood thinner used to lower the risk of heart-related death, heart attack, or stroke in people with certain heart conditions. It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth twice per day. It's a brand-name medication only, so a generic version isn't available. Side effects include shortness of breath, bleeding, and nausea.

  • Indications of Eliquis vs. Brilinta

    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
    Indications for
    •Lowering the risk of heart-related death, heart attack, and stroke in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or who've had a previous heart attack
    •Lowering the risk of a first-time heart attack or stroke in high-risk people with coronary artery disease (CAD)
    •Lowering the risk of stroke in people who've had a previous stroke or a high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA) (also called "mini stroke")

  • Pros and Cons of Eliquis vs. Brilinta

    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
    Pros and Const for Antiplatelet
    Pros
    •Good choice for lowering the risk of heart-related death, heart attack, or stroke in people with certain heart-related problems
    •Can be taken with other blood thinners, if necessary
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Tablets can be crushed and mixed with water for people who have trouble swallowing
    Cons
    •Must be taken twice a day
    •Might have to be taken with a daily aspirin
    •Can cause serious bleeding
    •Not safe for people with severe liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Eliquis vs. Brilinta

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Any bleeding (up to 15%)

    Children:

    •Any bleeding (up to 36%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Vomiting (14%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Shortness of breath (14%)
    •Bleeding (12%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Nausea (4%)

  • Warnings of Eliquis vs. Brilinta

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack if stopped suddenly or too early
    •Shortness of breath
    •Slow heart rate
    •Sleep apnea

  • Prices with our coupons for Eliquis vs. Brilinta

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