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 inhibitorPrescription onlyClopidogrel (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 onlyXarelto (rivaroxaban) is a blood thinner that's used to treat and prevent blood clots, like stroke or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in people with certain heart and blood vessel conditions. Depending on the reason you're using the medication for, you'll take a dose either once or twice a day. The most common side effect is bleeding, which in some cases can become serious and life-threatening. Currently, there is no generic version since it's only available as a brand-name medication.
Indications of Plavix vs. Xarelto
Indications forFor people with a history of a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease:
•Heart attack prevention•Stroke preventionIndications forAdults:
•Lowering the risk of stroke and blood clots in with atrial fibrillation (AFib) that isn't caused by a heart valve problem•Lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) in certain people who are at high risk for clots•Preventing blood clots in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) in people who've had recent hip or knee surgery, those who are hospitalized, or those who were recently released from the hospital and are at high risk for blood clots•Lowering the risk of serious heart-related problems, such as heart attack or stroke, in people with coronary artery disease (CAD) when used together with aspirin•Lowering the risk of blood flow issues, major amputations, serious heart problems, or stroke in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) when used together with aspirinChildren:
•Treating blood clots and lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again after receiving at least 5 days of treatment with injectable blood thinner medications•Preventing blood clots in children ages 2 and older with a congenital heart disease (CHD) after a Fontan procedure.Pros and Cons of Plavix vs. Xarelto
Pros and Const for P2Y12 inhibitorPros•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 formCons•Can cause major bleeding or bruising•Has many interactions with other medications•Might not work as well for people with East Asian descentPros and Const for Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)Pros•Can lower the risk of serious blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, major amputations, or heart-related deaths•Doesn't require frequent blood tests or dose changes like other blood thinners•Doesn't require you to adjust your diet or monitor how much vitamin K you eat like warfarin (Coumadin)•Lower risk of life-threatening bleeding compared to other blood thinners•Can be used in very young childrenCons•Can't be used if you have artificial heart valves or problems with your heart valves•Sometimes more difficult to stop the effects of the medication in cases of a life-threatening bleed•Potentially not safe in pregnancy•Interacts with many other medications•Only available as a brand-name medication, so no generic version is availableCommon Side Effects of Plavix vs. Xarelto
Common Side Effects for•Minor bleeding (5%)•Major bleeding (4%)Common Side Effects forAdults
•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 reactionCommon Side Effects for•Higher risk of heart attack or stroke if stopped too early•Paralysis in the spine•Serious bleed•Interactions with other medicationsPrices with our coupons for Plavix vs. Xarelto
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