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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 (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 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 Plavix vs. Eliquis

    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

    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 Plavix vs. Eliquis

    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 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 Plavix vs. Eliquis

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

    Adults:

    •Any bleeding (up to 15%)

    Children:

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

  • 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
    •Blood clotting condition
    •Allergic reaction
    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 Plavix vs. Eliquis

    Learn more about Clopidogrel
    Learn more about Eliquis

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