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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.

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Warfarin (Coumadin)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Warfarin (Coumadin)

  • Summary of Plavix vs. Coumadin

    Summary for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a prescription antiplatelet medication that helps lower your risk of heart attack or stroke. It works by stopping platelets in your blood from sticking together and forming clots. You take it as a tablet by mouth once a day, and it might be used alone or with aspirin in some situations. Since it's a blood thinner, the most common side effect is bleeding.

    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).

  • Indications of Plavix vs. Coumadin

    Indications for
    •Lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
    •Lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people who recently had one, or who have peripheral artery disease
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Plavix vs. Coumadin

    Pros and Const for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Good choice for lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke
    •Tablet that's taken once a day by mouth
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can cause major bleeding or bruising
    •Has many interactions with other medications
    •Might not work as well for people with East Asian descent
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Plavix vs. Coumadin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Minor bleeding (5%)
    •Major bleeding (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding
    •Bruising

  • Warnings of Plavix vs. Coumadin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Clopidogrel (Plavix) not working as well
    •Bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack or stroke if stopped suddenly
    •Blood clotting condition
    •Allergic reaction
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Plavix vs. Coumadin

    Learn more about Clopidogrel
    Learn more about Warfarin

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