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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)

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Warfarin

(Coumadin)

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Summary for Plavix

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.

Indications for Plavix

Pros and Cons for Plavix

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

Common Side Effects for Plavix

  • Minor bleeding (5%)
  • Major bleeding (4%)

Warnings for Plavix

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

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

Prices with our coupons for Plavix vs. Coumadin

Price Card Drug Icon
Clopidogrel30 tablets / 75mg
$11.70$16.92
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Price Card Drug Icon
Warfarin30 tablets / 5mg
$4.00$4.00
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