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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)

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Brilinta

(ticagrelor)

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Summary for Eliquis

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 for Eliquis

Adults:

Children:

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

Pros and Cons for Eliquis

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 for Eliquis

Adults:

  • Any bleeding (up to 15%)

Children:

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

Warnings for Eliquis

  • 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

Summary for Brilinta

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 for Brilinta

Pros and Cons for Brilinta

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 for Brilinta

Warnings for Brilinta

  • 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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Eliquis60 tablets / 5mg
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Ticagrelor60 tablets / 90mg
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