Key takeaways
Pentoxifylline ER (Trental) and Eliquis (apixaban) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and work differently. Pentoxifylline ER is used to treat a condition called intermittent claudication, which is leg pain due to poor blood flow. It works by making your blood less thick, improving circulation. You need to take it multiple times a day with meals, and it is available as a lower-cost generic. On the other hand, Eliquis is used to prevent and treat blood clots, such as those in atrial fibrillation or after surgery. It works by blocking a specific clotting factor called factor Xa. Eliquis is typically taken twice daily and does not yet have a generic version available on the market. While both medications can increase bleeding risk, Eliquis is specifically noted for its potential to cause severe bleeding and requires careful monitoring if you stop taking it suddenly.
