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Compare Eliquis vs. Warfarin

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

Key takeaways

Eliquis (apixaban) and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) are both anticoagulants used to prevent and treat blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). They also help prevent blood clots related to atrial fibrillation (AFib). However, they belong to different medication classes. Eliquis is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that works by blocking factor Xa, while warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that prevents blood clots by blocking vitamin K. Eliquis is typically taken twice daily, whereas warfarin is taken once daily with the dose adjusted based on your international normalized ratio (INR). Eliquis does not require regular blood work to monitor its effectiveness, unlike warfarin, which requires frequent INR checks. Warfarin has a lower-cost generic version available, while Eliquis is only available as a brand-name product. Common side effects of both medications include bleeding and bruising. Eliquis has fewer food and drug interactions compared to warfarin, which requires you to be consistent with your intake of vitamin K-rich foods.

  • Eliquis (apixaban)
    Warfarin (Coumadin)
  • Eliquis (apixaban)
    Warfarin (Coumadin)

  • Summary of Eliquis vs. Warfarin

    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 Vitamin K antagonist
    Prescription only

    Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood thinner (anticoagulant). It's used to prevent and treat blood clots in adults and children with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Warfarin (Coumadin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Your provider will adjust the dose based on your international normalized ratio (INR). Taking too much warfarin (Coumadin) can lead to side effects like bruising and serious bleeding. If needed, your provider can give you an antidote to reverse the effects of warfarin (Coumadin).

  • Indications of Eliquis vs. Warfarin

    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
    •Prevention and treatment blood clots in the veins
    •Prevention and treatment blood clots linked to atrial fibrillation (AFib) or heart valve replacement
    •Prevention of more blood clots and to lower risk of death after a heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Eliquis vs. Warfarin

    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 Vitamin K antagonist
    Pros
    •Each strength of tablet is a unique color, making it easy to tell them apart
    •Only needs to be taken once a day
    •Has an antidote available in case of an emergency
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only prevents new blood clots from forming or getting bigger; it doesn't work on existing blood clots
    •Requires regular blood draws to check INR levels
    •Interacts with foods and many commonly-prescribed medications
    •Not safe to take during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Eliquis vs. Warfarin

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Any bleeding (up to 15%)

    Children:

    •Any bleeding (up to 36%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Vomiting (14%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding
    •Bruising

  • Warnings of Eliquis vs. Warfarin

    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
    •Severe or life-threatening bleeding
    •Risk of blood clots from stopping too early
    •Risk of fat-containing clots
    •Calcium build-up in blood vessels (calciphylaxis)
    •Skin or tissue death and risk of gangrene
    •Not for use during pregnancy

  • Prices with our coupons for Eliquis vs. Warfarin

    Learn more about Eliquis
    Learn more about Warfarin

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