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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)

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Eliquis

(apixaban)

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Summary for Coumadin

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 for Coumadin

  • 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 for Coumadin

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 for Coumadin

  • Bleeding
  • Bruising

Warnings for Coumadin

  • 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

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

Prices with our coupons for Coumadin vs. Eliquis

Price Card Drug Icon
Warfarin30 tablets / 5mg
$4.00$4.00
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Price Card Drug Icon
Eliquis60 tablets / 5mg
$346.17$784.28
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