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Compare Plavix vs. Eliquis

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

Key takeaways

Clopidogrel (Plavix) and Eliquis (apixaban) 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, mainly used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with a history of these events. It’s taken once daily and is available in a generic form. On the other hand, Eliquis is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that blocks factor Xa, used to prevent and treat blood clots in conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). Eliquis is typically taken twice daily, and while a generic version has been approved, it may not be available until 2026. Both medications can cause bleeding, but Eliquis has a higher risk of blood clots if stopped too early. Clopidogrel interacts with many medications and foods like grapefruit, while Eliquis has fewer interactions but requires careful monitoring if you have certain spinal procedures.

drug combination

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  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Eliquis (apixaban)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Eliquis (apixaban)

  • Summary of Plavix vs. Eliquis

    Summary for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Clopidogrel (also known by its brand name, Plavix) is a medication that's used to prevent heart attack and stroke in certain people who are at higher risk for those events. It comes as a tablet taken by mouth once per day and is also available as a generic medication. Since it's a blood thinner, possible side effects include bleeding and bruising, especially if you take medications that interact with clopidogrel (Plavix) like certain antidepressants, anticoagulants, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

    Summary for Anticoagulant
    Prescription only

    Eliquis (apixaban) is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that's used to prevent and treat certain types of blood clots. Eliquis (apixaban) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. While generic versions of this medication have been approved by the FDA, they might not hit the market until 2026.

  • Indications of Plavix vs. Eliquis

    Indications for

    For people with a history of a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease:

    •Heart attack prevention
    •Stroke prevention
    Indications for
    •Lower the risk of stroke or blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib)
    •Lower the risk of repeat blood clot in the legs or arms (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT), or lungs (pulmonary embolism, or PE)
    •Prevent DVT after hip or knee replacement surgery
    •Treat DVT and PE

  • Pros and Cons of Plavix vs. Eliquis

    Pros and Const for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke
    •Only taken once a day by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    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 Anticoagulant
    Pros
    •A first-choice treatment option for preventing and treating blood clots in many people
    •Taken with or without food
    •Don't need to get regular blood work to check how well it works
    •Less food and drug interactions than warfarin (Coumadin)
    Cons
    •Taken twice daily
    •Not studied in children age 18 years or younger
    •Not for people who have atrial fibrillation with heart valve problems
    •Lower-cost generics approved, but not yet available

  • Common Side Effects of Plavix vs. Eliquis

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

  • Warnings of Plavix vs. Eliquis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Clopidogrel (Plavix) not working as well
    •Bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack or stroke if stopped suddenly
    •Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of blood clots from stopping too early
    •Possible risk of paralysis (only in certain spinal procedures)
    •Bleeds
    •Not for use in people with antiphospholipid syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Plavix vs. Eliquis

    Learn more about Clopidogrel
    Learn more about Eliquis

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