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Eliquis vs. Pradaxa

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

Key takeaways

Eliquis (apixaban) and Pradaxa (dabigatran) are both blood thinners used to prevent and treat blood clots, but they work in different ways. Eliquis is typically taken twice daily and has an FDA-approved generic version that may not be available until 2026. Pradaxa is also taken twice daily but doesn’t have a generic version available. Eliquis is considered a first-choice treatment for preventing stroke in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and might be safer for those with kidney problems. Pradaxa, on the other hand, requires careful use in people with kidney problems and has a higher risk of stomach bleeding, especially in those over 75. Both medications can cause bleeding, but Pradaxa has an available antidote in case of emergency.

Eliquis

(apixaban)

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Dabigatran

(Pradaxa)

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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 Pradaxa

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 Pradaxa

Adults:

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 Pradaxa

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 Pradaxa

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Bleeding

Warnings for Pradaxa

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Eliquis vs. Pradaxa

Price Card Drug Icon
Eliquis60 tablets / 5mg
$347.37$442.73
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Dabigatran60 capsules / 150mg
$46.29$215.21
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