Your healthcare provider may recommend usinganticoagulant medications (blood-thinning medications)to treat or prevent blood clots.
Blood thinners are a crucial form of medication in the United States.
To date, more than half of all Americans 18 and older take one or more blood thinners.
Scott Olson / Getty Images
Read on for an in-depth analysis of Xarelto vs. Eliquis.
Scott Olson / Getty Images
What Is Xarelto?
This is called off-label prescribing.
Angioplasty involves opening up blocked or narrowed blood vessels in the heart in people with nonvalvular AFib.
How Does Xarelto Work?
In comparison, DOACs are highly effective and dont require regular blood testing or special diets.
Xarelto works by decreasing the production of thrombin, an enzyme that causes clotting.
Doing so helps prevent and treat conditions related to blood clots.
Xarelto is available as a tablet that is taken by mouth.
It is also available as an oral suspension (liquid).
What Is Eliquis?
Like Xarelto, Eliquis is an oral anticoagulantalso called a DOAC or a factor Xa inhibitor.
Eliquis works by decreasing the production of thrombin, which helps prevent and treat conditions related to blood clots.
Eliquis is available as a tablet that is taken by mouth.
Dosing Comparison
The following information provides general guidelines for Xarelto and Eliquis dosing in adults.
Xarelto
The following dosages are for adults with normal kidney function.
Those with kidney problems may need a lower dosage or will need to avoid using Xarelto.
For children, the dosage depends on their age and weight.
Those with kidney problems may need a lower dosage or will need to avoid using Eliquis.
Still, only your healthcare provider can determine which medication is more appropriate for you based on individual factors.
We can provide some general information on studies and what has been found.
Another study compared Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa (dabigatran), and Jantoven.
The researchers found Eliquis to be the most favorable in terms of efficacy and safety.
Your family and medical history, including recent surgeries, may indicate whether you could experience blood clots.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any risk factors for blood clots, especially before any surgery.
If you have any blood clot symptoms, get medical attention immediately.
Consult a registered dietitian to help you design an eating and exercise plan that fits your lifestyle.
Finally, do not smoke orvape.
If you do, ask your healthcare provider forrecommendations on how to stop.
Side Effects & Safety
Like all drugs, Xarelto and Eliquis carry the potential for side effects.
Xarelto and Eliquis have aboxed warning, the most severe warning required by the FDA.
Other common side effects of Xarelto in adults includeback pain,stomach pain, anddizziness.
In comparison, common Xarelto side effects in children include cough, vomiting, and fatigue.
Conversely, other common side effects of Eliquis includeanemiaand nausea.
Severe Side Effects
Serious side effects may occur as a result of using Xarelto or Eliquis.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have serious side effects.
Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening, or you think you have a medical emergency.
Call your healthcare provider if you have unusual problems while taking this medication.
Always ask your healthcare provider for advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
While taking Xarelto or Eliquis, do not start any new medications without approval from your healthcare provider.
Some examples of drug interactions include:
This is not a complete list of drug interactions.
Other drug interactions may occur with Xarelto or Eliquis.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you.
These drugs are considered safe, reliable, and vital in preventing DVT and PE.
Do not store it in the bathroom.
Keep out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
Because both drugs are only available in brand name, the out-of-pocket prices can be costly.
However, most insurance covers these medications.
Your co-pay or coinsurance will depend on your plan.
2020;9(13):e017559.
doi:10.1161/JAHA.120.017559
DailyMed.Label: Eliquis- apixaban tablet, film coated.
2022(13):1294.JAMA.
2021;326(23):2395-2404. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.21222
National Blood Clot Alliance.Prevent blood clots.
National Blood Clot Alliance.Know your risk.
National Blood Clot Alliance.Signs and symptoms of blood clots.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Blood thinner pills: your guide to using them safely.