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Compare Coumadin vs. Eliquis

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

Key takeaways

Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and Eliquis (apixaban) are both medications used to prevent and treat blood clots. They are similar in that they are both anticoagulants, but they belong to different classes. Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist, while Eliquis is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Warfarin is taken once daily, and its dose is adjusted based on your international normalized ratio (INR) levels, whereas Eliquis is typically taken twice daily without the need for regular blood tests. Warfarin is available as a lower-cost generic, while Eliquis is only available as a brand-name medication. Warfarin can interact with many foods and medications, requiring careful monitoring, while Eliquis has fewer interactions. Common side effects for both include bleeding and bruising. Both medications carry a risk of severe bleeding and have an antidote available in case of a serious bleed.

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

  • Summary of Coumadin vs. Eliquis

    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).

    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.

  • Indications of Coumadin vs. Eliquis

    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
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Coumadin vs. Eliquis

    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Coumadin vs. Eliquis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding
    •Bruising
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Any bleeding (up to 15%)

    Children:

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

  • Warnings of Coumadin vs. Eliquis

    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
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Coumadin vs. Eliquis

    Learn more about Warfarin
    Learn more about Eliquis

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