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Compare Plavix vs. Pradaxa

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

Key takeaways

Clopidogrel (Plavix) and Pradaxa (dabigatran) are both medications used to prevent heart attacks and strokes, but they work differently and have some key differences. Clopidogrel is a P2Y12 prevents platelets from clumping together, while Pradaxa is a direct thrombin inhibitor that stops blood clots from forming. Both medications are available as a generic. Clopidogrel is typically taken once a day, while Pradaxa is usually taken twice a day. Unlike some other blood thinners, neither clopidogrel nor Pradaxa require regular blood tests. But Pradaxa must be used carefully in people with kidney problems. Both medications can increase the risk of bleeding, but Pradaxa has a higher risk of stomach bleeding and isn’t safe for people with artificial heart valves. Clopidogrel interacts with many other medications and shouldn’t be taken with grapefruit juice, while Pradaxa has fewer dietary restrictions.

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Dabigatran (Pradaxa)

  • Summary of Plavix vs. Pradaxa

    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

    Dabigatran etexilate mesylate, also known by its brand name, Pradaxa, is a type of anticoagulant blood thinner that treats and prevents certain types of blood clots in people ages 8 years and older. It's also used to lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The dosing can differ based on why you need the medication, but it's typically taken by mouth twice a day. Side effects include stomach upset and bleeding. For people who experience serious bleeding with this medication, there's an antidote medication called Praxbind (idarucizumab) that reverses its effects.

  • Indications of Plavix vs. Pradaxa

    Indications for

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

    •Heart attack prevention
    •Stroke prevention
    Indications for

    Adults:

    •Lowering the risk of stroke or blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) that isn't caused by a heart valve problem
    •Treating blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) or lungs (pulmonary embolism (PE)) - only after receiving an injectable blood thinner for 5-10 days
    •Lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) in people with a history of blood clots
    •Preventing blood clots in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) after hip replacement surgery

    Children 8 years and older:

    •Treating blood clots - only after receiving an injectable blood thinner
    •Lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again in children with a history of blood clots

  • Pros and Cons of Plavix vs. Pradaxa

    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
    •Good option for preventing and treating blood clots in many people
    •Doesn't require regular blood tests, frequent dose changes, or diet changes
    •Has an antidote called Praxbind for people who experience a serious bleed
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Typically taken twice a day
    •Not for people who have atrial fibrillation with heart valve problems
    •Can cause serious bleeding and bruising
    •Common causes stomach-related side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

  • Common Side Effects of Plavix vs. Pradaxa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Minor bleeding (5%)
    •Major bleeding (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Bleeding

  • Warnings of Plavix vs. Pradaxa

    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)
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Not for use in people with mechanical heart valves
    •Not for use in people with antiphospholipid syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Plavix vs. Pradaxa

    Learn more about Clopidogrel
    Learn more about Dabigatran

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