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Compare Eliquis vs. Xarelto

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

Key takeaways

Eliquis (apixaban) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are both direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) used to prevent and treat blood clots. Both medications are effective in reducing the risk of stroke and treating conditions caused by blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Xarelto is also FDA approved for other heart-related conditions, such as coronary artery disease and, when combined with aspirin, peripheral artery disease. Eliquis is typically taken twice daily and might have a lower risk of bleeding compared to Xarelto, which is often taken once daily. Neither medication requires frequent blood tests or that you follow dietary restrictions like the traditional blood thinner warfarin (Jantoven) does. Eliquis may be preferable for patients with kidney problems. Common side effects for both medications include bleeding and bruising. Serious risks include life-threatening bleeding.

drug combination

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Eliquis (apixaban)
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
Eliquis (apixaban)
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)

Summary of Eliquis vs. Xarelto

Summary for Anticoagulant
Prescription only

Eliquis (apixaban) is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that's used to prevent and treat certain types of blood clots. Eliquis (apixaban) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. While generic versions of this medication have been approved by the FDA, they might not hit the market until 2026.

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

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a blood thinner that's used to treat and prevent blood clots, like stroke or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in people with certain heart and blood vessel conditions. Depending on the reason you're using the medication for, you'll take a dose either once or twice a day. The most common side effect is bleeding, which in some cases can become serious and life-threatening. Currently, there is no generic version since it's only available as a brand-name medication.

Indications of Eliquis vs. Xarelto

Indications for
•Lower the risk of stroke or blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib)
•Lower the risk of repeat blood clot in the legs or arms (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT), or lungs (pulmonary embolism, or PE)
•Prevent DVT after hip or knee replacement surgery
•Treat DVT and PE
Indications for

Adults:

•Lowering the risk of stroke and blood clots in with atrial fibrillation (AFib) that isn't caused by a heart valve problem
•Treating blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) or lungs (pulmonary embolism (PE))
•Lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) in certain people who are at high risk for clots
•Preventing blood clots in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) in people who've had recent hip or knee surgery, those who are hospitalized, or those who were recently released from the hospital and are at high risk for blood clots
•Lowering the risk of serious heart-related problems, such as heart attack or stroke, in people with coronary artery disease (CAD) when used together with aspirin
•Lowering the risk of blood flow issues, major amputations, serious heart problems, or stroke in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) when used together with aspirin

Children:

•Treating blood clots and lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again after receiving at least 5 days of treatment with injectable blood thinner medications
•Preventing blood clots in children ages 2 and older with a congenital heart disease (CHD) after a Fontan procedure.

Pros and Cons of Eliquis vs. Xarelto

Pros and Const for Anticoagulant
Pros
•A first-choice treatment option for preventing and treating blood clots in many people
•Taken with or without food
•Don't need to get regular blood work to check how well it works
•Less food and drug interactions than warfarin (Coumadin)
Cons
•Taken twice daily
•Not studied in children age 18 years or younger
•Not for people who have atrial fibrillation with heart valve problems
•Lower-cost generics approved, but not yet available
Pros and Const for Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)
Pros
•Can lower the risk of serious blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, major amputations, or heart-related deaths
•Doesn't require frequent blood tests or dose changes like other blood thinners
•Doesn't require you to adjust your diet or monitor how much vitamin K you eat like warfarin (Coumadin)
•Lower risk of life-threatening bleeding compared to other blood thinners
•Can be used in very young children
Cons
•Can't be used if you have artificial heart valves or problems with your heart valves
•Sometimes more difficult to stop the effects of the medication in cases of a life-threatening bleed
•Potentially not safe in pregnancy
•Interacts with many other medications
•Only available as a brand-name medication, so no generic version is available

Common Side Effects of Eliquis vs. Xarelto

Common Side Effects for
•Bleeding
•Bruising
•Nosebleeds
•Bleeding gums
Common Side Effects for

Adults

•Any bleeding (Up to 28%)

Children

•Any bleeding (36%)
•Cough (16%)
•Vomiting (14%)
•Stomach virus (13%)
•Rash (9%)

Warnings of Eliquis vs. Xarelto

Common Side Effects for
•Higher risk of blood clots from stopping too early
•Possible risk of paralysis (only in certain spinal procedures)
•Bleeds
•Not for use in people with antiphospholipid syndrome
Common Side Effects for
•Higher risk of heart attack or stroke if stopped too early
•Paralysis in the spine
•Serious bleed
•Interactions with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Eliquis vs. Xarelto

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