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Compare Pradaxa vs. Coumadin

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

Key takeaways

Pradaxa (dabigatran) and warfarin (Jantoven) are both blood thinners used to prevent blood clots, but they work differently and have distinct features. Pradaxa is taken twice daily and doesn’t require regular blood tests or dietary changes, whereas warfarin is taken once daily, but requires frequent blood tests to monitor INR levels and consistent vitamin K intake. Pradaxa isn’t available as a generic and can be expensive, while warfarin is available as a lower-cost generic. Pradaxa has a higher risk of stomach bleeding and isn’t safe for people with artificial heart valves. Warfarin interacts with many foods and medications. Both medications have antidotes available in case of emergency bleeding.

Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Summary of Pradaxa vs. Coumadin

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.

Summary for Vitamin K antagonist
Prescription only

Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood thinner (anticoagulant). It's used to prevent and treat blood clots in adults and children with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Warfarin (Coumadin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Your provider will adjust the dose based on your international normalized ratio (INR). Taking too much warfarin (Coumadin) can lead to side effects like bruising and serious bleeding. If needed, your provider can give you an antidote to reverse the effects of warfarin (Coumadin).

Indications of Pradaxa vs. Coumadin

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
Indications for
•Prevention and treatment blood clots in the veins
•Prevention and treatment blood clots linked to atrial fibrillation (AFib) or heart valve replacement
•Prevention of more blood clots and to lower risk of death after a heart attack

Pros and Cons of Pradaxa vs. Coumadin

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
Pros and Const for Vitamin K antagonist
Pros
•Each strength of tablet is a unique color, making it easy to tell them apart
•Only needs to be taken once a day
•Has an antidote available in case of an emergency
•Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
•Only prevents new blood clots from forming or getting bigger; it doesn't work on existing blood clots
•Requires regular blood draws to check INR levels
•Interacts with foods and many commonly-prescribed medications
•Not safe to take during pregnancy

Common Side Effects of Pradaxa vs. Coumadin

Common Side Effects for
•Upset stomach
•Nausea
•Stomach pain
•Bleeding
Common Side Effects for
•Bleeding
•Bruising

Warnings of Pradaxa vs. Coumadin

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
Common Side Effects for
•Severe or life-threatening bleeding
•Risk of blood clots from stopping too early
•Risk of fat-containing clots
•Calcium build-up in blood vessels (calciphylaxis)
•Skin or tissue death and risk of gangrene
•Not for use during pregnancy

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