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Compare Lovenox vs. Eliquis

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

Key takeaways

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) and Eliquis (apixaban) are both anticoagulants, but they have some key differences. Enoxaparin is given as an injection under the skin once or twice daily, while Eliquis is taken by mouth twice daily. Enoxaparin is often used for treating and preventing blood clots in various situations, including during pregnancy, but isn’t suitable for those with prosthetic heart valves. On the other hand, Eliquis is commonly used to lower the risk of stroke in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and to treat and prevent blood clots after hip or knee surgery. Enoxaparin is available in both brand and generic forms, whereas the generic version of Eliquis has been approved but might not be available until 2026. Eliquis shouldn’t be stopped abruptly, as this increases the risk of blood clots.

  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
    Eliquis (apixaban)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
    Eliquis (apixaban)

  • Summary of Lovenox vs. Eliquis

    Summary for Anticoagulant
    Prescription only

    Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a blood thinner that's used to treat and prevent blood clots and other clotting-related conditions. It's given as an injection under the skin in the stomach. The dosing for enoxaparin (Lovenox) depends mostly on your weight, but also on why you need the medication. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a preferred choice for pregnant women, but it might not be the best option if they have prosthetic (artificial) heart valves. Side effects aren't common, but can include bleeding or bruising at the injection site. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is available as a brand and generic medication.

    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 Lovenox vs. Eliquis

    Indications for
    •Prevention of blood clots in the arms or legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE) in:
    •People having stomach, hip, or knee surgery
    •People who aren't able to move well
    •People with a certain type of chest pain called unstable angina
    •Treatment of blood clots
    •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 Lovenox vs. Eliquis

    Pros and Const for Anticoagulant
    Pros
    •Works well to treat several types of blood-clotting problems
    •Safe to use during pregnancy (except those with prosthetic heart valves)
    •Possible medication available that might help work as an antidote (reversal agent) to reverse effects
    •Blood tests are available to check how well the medication is working, but they're not required
    Cons
    •Only available as an injection, which can be uncomfortable
    •Might be difficult for some people to inject at home
    •Might not be a good option for people with kidney problems
    •Can cause a serious low platelet condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
    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 Lovenox vs. Eliquis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal liver tests (6%)
    •Major bleeding (up to 4%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Any bleeding (up to 15%)

    Children:

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

  • Warnings of Lovenox vs. Eliquis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of bleeding around the spinal cord during other injections near the spine
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Low platelet counts and clotting problems
    •Higher risk of clots in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves
    •Risk of serious breathing problem in infants (gasping syndrome)
    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 Lovenox vs. Eliquis

    Learn more about Enoxaparin
    Learn more about Eliquis

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