Apixaban (Eliquis) vs. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto): Blood Thinner Comparison
Patients and caregivers often compare apixaban (Eliquis) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto) as both are modern blood thinners used to prevent dangerous blood clots. They are both direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) that offer alternatives to older medications like warfarin, often with fewer dietary restrictions and monitoring requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Apixaban | Rivaroxaban |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Apixaban (Eliquis) is a Factor Xa inhibitor, a type of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). | Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) is also a Factor Xa inhibitor, belonging to the same class of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). |
| Primary Use | Primarily used to reduce stroke risk in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and prevent DVT/PE after orthopedic surgery. | Used to reduce major cardiovascular events in CAD/PAD, stroke risk in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and DVT/PE prevention/treatment. |
| Mechanism of Action | Selectively blocks Factor Xa, an important protein in the blood clotting process, without needing antithrombin III. It inhibits both free and clot-bound FXa. | Selectively blocks Factor Xa, an important protein in the blood clotting process, and does not require a cofactor like antithrombin III. It inhibits free FXa and prothrombinase activity. |
| Onset of Action | Generally rapid, typically within a few hours. | Generally rapid, typically within a few hours. |
| Duration | Usually taken twice daily, indicating a shorter duration of action compared to once-daily drugs. | Often taken once daily, indicating a longer duration of action than twice-daily drugs. |
| Addiction Risk | No known risk of addiction. | No known risk of addiction. |
| Common Side Effects | The most common side effect is bleeding (e.g., bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding). Less common but serious bleeding can occur. | The most common side effect is bleeding (e.g., bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding). Less common but serious bleeding can occur. |
| Cost (Generic) | Both apixaban and rivaroxaban are available as generics, which are typically less expensive than brand-name versions. | Both rivaroxaban and apixaban are available as generics, which are typically less expensive than brand-name versions. |
| When to Choose | Often chosen for patients who may benefit from a twice-daily dosing schedule or specific patient populations based on clinical guidelines and physician assessment. | Often chosen for patients who prefer a once-daily dosing schedule or have specific indications like coronary or peripheral artery disease, based on clinical guidelines and physician assessment. |
Bottom Line
Apixaban and rivaroxaban are both effective Factor Xa inhibitors used to prevent blood clots, but they differ in their dosing frequency and some specific approved indications. The choice between them often comes down to patient preference for once or twice-daily dosing, individual health conditions, and a doctor's clinical judgment.
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.
Full Apixaban guide →Rivaroxaban Overview
RIVAROXABAN (brand name: rivaroxaban) is a Anticoagulants. 1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Rivaroxaban is a factor Xa inhibitor indicated: to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) ( 1.7 ) to reduce the risk of major thrombotic vascular events in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), including patients…
Full Rivaroxaban guide →Compare prices for Apixaban and Rivaroxaban
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