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Compare Plavix vs. Xarelto

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

Key takeaways

Plavix (clopidogrel) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are both blood thinners used to prevent clots, but they differ in how they’re used and how they work. Plavix, an antiplatelet medication, reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with certain conditions by preventing platelets from clumping. It’s taken once daily. Xarelto, an anticoagulant, blocks a protein in the blood involved in the clotting process. It treats a broader range of conditions than Plavix, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It’s also often taken once daily. Plavix is available as a lower-cost generic, but Xarelto is a brand-only medication. Both medications can cause bleeding and bruising as common side effects. Serious bleeding may also occur, although it’s rare.

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Xarelto (rivaroxaban)

  • Summary of Plavix vs. Xarelto

    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 Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)
    Prescription only

    Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a prescription blood thinner used to prevent and treat blood clots. It can lower the risk of serious problems like stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE). It's comes as a tablet or liquid and is taken by mouth. Your dose depends on why you're taking it, so it could be once or twice a day. The most common side effect is bleeding, which can sometimes be serious or life-threatening. Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is available as both a brand-name and a generic medication.

  • Indications of Plavix vs. Xarelto

    Indications for

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

    •Heart attack prevention
    •Stroke prevention
    Indications for

    Adults:

    •Lower the risk of stroke and 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))
    •Lower the risk of DVT or PE coming back after treatment
    •Prevent DVT and PE after knee or hip replacement surgery
    •Prevent blood clots in people in the hospital or recently released who are at high risk
    •Lower the risk of serious heart problems, like heart attack or stroke, in people with coronary artery disease (CAD), taken with aspirin
    •Lower the risk of blood clots and related problems in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), taken with aspirin

    Children:

    •Treat blood clots and lower the risk of new clots in children from birth to under 18 years old
    •Prevent blood clots in children 2 years and older with congenital heart disease (CHD) after a Fontan procedure

  • Pros and Cons of Plavix vs. Xarelto

    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 Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)
    Pros
    •No regular blood monitoring required
    •Available as a tablet or liquid that's taken by mouth
    •Approved for both children and adults
    Cons
    •Most common side effect is bleeding
    •Not easily reversible in life-threatening bleeds
    •Can interact with many medications

  • Common Side Effects of Plavix vs. Xarelto

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

    Adults

    •Any bleeding (Up to 28%)

    Children

    •Any bleeding (36%)
    •Cough (16%)
    •Vomiting (14%)
    •Stomach virus (13%)
    •Rash (9%)

  • Warnings of Plavix vs. Xarelto

    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 if stopped too early
    •Paralysis in the spine
    •Bleeding
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Risk of pregnancy-related bleeding
    •Not recommended in people with prosthetic heart valves
    •Not recommended in people with antiphospholipid syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Plavix vs. Xarelto

    Learn more about Clopidogrel
    Learn more about Xarelto

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