Drug Comparison

Apixaban vs. Ibuprofen

Compare Apixaban and Ibuprofen: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.

Quick Comparison

CategoryApixabanIbuprofen
Drug ClassAnticoagulantsNSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
Rx StatusRxRx
Generic AvailableNoNo
Typical Cost$500–$700/month$4-$15/month

Apixaban Overview

Eliquis (apixaban) is a blood thinner medication used to help prevent harmful blood clots from forming in your body. It works by blocking a specific clotting factor, which reduces your risk of stroke if you have an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), or helps prevent and treat clots in your legs (DVT) and lungs (PE), especially after certain surgeries.

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Ibuprofen Overview

IBUPROFEN (brand name: good neighbor pharmacy ibuprofen) is a NSAIDs. Uses • temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: • headache • muscular aches • minor pain of arthritis • toothache • backache • the common cold • menstrual cramps • temporarily reduces fever

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How Each Drug Works

Apixaban

Apixaban is a selective inhibitor of FXa. It does not require antithrombin III for antithrombotic activity. Apixaban inhibits free and clot-bound FXa, and prothrombinase activity. Apixaban has no direct effect on platelet aggregation, but indirectly inhibits platelet aggregation induced by thrombin. By inhibiting FXa, apixaban decreases thrombin generation and thrombus development.

Approved Uses (Indications)

Apixaban

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ELIQUIS is a factor Xa inhibitor indicated:

  • to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
  • for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.
  • for the treatment of DVT and PE, and for the reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy. 1.1 Reduction of Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation ELIQUIS is indicated to reduce…

Ibuprofen

Uses

  • temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to:
  • headache
  • muscular aches
  • minor pain of arthritis
  • toothache
  • backache
  • the common cold
  • menstrual cramps
  • temporarily reduces fever

Side Effects

Apixaban

Cost Comparison

Apixaban

$500–$700/month

As a brand-name medication without a generic, Eliquis can be very expensive. Patients should look into manufacturer patient assistance programs or discount cards to help reduce costs.

Ibuprofen

$4-$15/month

Ibuprofen is widely available as an inexpensive generic, even without insurance. Discount cards can further reduce the cost at many pharmacies.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.