Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
Brilinta (ticagrelor)
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
Brilinta (ticagrelor)
Summary of Xarelto vs. Brilinta
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.
Summary for Antiplatelet
Prescription only
Brilinta (ticagrelor) is an antiplatelet blood thinner used to lower the risk of heart-related death, heart attack, or stroke in people with certain heart conditions. It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth twice per day. It's a brand-name medication only, so a generic version isn't available. Side effects include shortness of breath, bleeding, and nausea.