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Compare Pradaxa vs. Xarelto

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

Key takeaways

Pradaxa (dabigatran) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are both blood thinners used to prevent and treat blood clots, but they work in different ways. Pradaxa is a direct thrombin inhibitor, while Xarelto is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that blocks factor Xa. Pradaxa is taken twice daily, whereas Xarelto can be taken once or twice daily depending on the condition being treated. Neither medication are available as a generic, potentially making them more expensive. Pradaxa has an antidote available in cases of severe bleeding, but Xarelto doesn’t, making it more difficult to treat in these situations. Both medications have similar risks, such as increased bleeding and they don’t require regular blood tests, frequent dose changes, or diet changes. However, Xarelto can be used in very young children and has a broader range of indications, including use in combination with aspirin for certain heart conditions.

  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
    Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
    Xarelto (rivaroxaban)

  • Summary of Pradaxa vs. Xarelto

    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 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 Pradaxa vs. Xarelto

    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

    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 Pradaxa vs. Xarelto

    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 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 Pradaxa vs. Xarelto

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Bleeding
    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 Pradaxa vs. Xarelto

    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
    •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 Pradaxa vs. Xarelto

    Learn more about Dabigatran
    Learn more about Xarelto

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