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Compare Plavix vs. Coumadin

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

Key takeaways

Clopidogrel (Plavix) and warfarin (Coumadin) are both blood thinners, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. Clopidogrel is a P2Y12 inhibitor that prevents platelets from clumping together, which helps lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It's taken once a day and is available in a generic form. Warfarin, on the other hand, is a vitamin K antagonist that prevents blood clots by blocking vitamin K. It's used to treat and prevent blood clots in conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Warfarin also requires regular blood tests to monitor its effect, and its dose is adjusted based on these tests. Unlike clopidogrel, warfarin interacts with many foods and medications, and it has an antidote in case of emergency. Both medications can cause serious bleeding, but warfarin has additional risks like skin tissue death and is not safe during pregnancy.

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