Comparing Xarelto vs Eliquis in Treating Blood Clots

Although blood clots help stop bleeding after injury, they can also potentially cause life-threatening issues by blocking blood flow to vital organs like the brain, heart, or lungs. Each year, about 100,000 people die from complications caused by blood clots. They are a leading cause of death for women during childbirth and after, as well as for cancer patients.

Anyone can develop blood clots but the proper treatment and medication can reduce the risk. Among the popular blood clot medications are Xarelto and Eliquis. These medications have been on the US market for more than a decade. However, some patients are still confused as to which drug works better.

This article will compare blood clot medications, Xarelto vs. Eliquis, looking at how they work, their benefits, and potential side effects in preventing severe complications from blood clots.

What is the difference between Xarelto and Eliquis?

Xarelto vs Eliquis Efficacy

Comparison studies indicate that Eliquis has shown equivalent efficacy to Xarelto in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, it has a lower risk of both serious and minor bleeding events. Additionally, Eliquis is more effective in reducing the risk of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease.

While both medications effectively prevent VTE, Eliquis offers better overall safety and efficacy.

Xarelto vs Eliquis Side Effects

The most common side effect of Eliquis and Xarelto is bleeding. However, Xarelto may also cause cough, vomiting, and gastroenteritis in children.

Though rare, both drugs can also cause serious side effects, including:

• • Stroke
  • Bruises
  • Hemorrhage
  • Gingival bleeding
  • Increased risk of thrombosis
  • Liver function problems
  • Kidney function problems
  • Allergic reactions such as rashes, chest pain, swelling and itchiness

Xarelto vs Eliquis Bleeding Risk

A study in 2022 states that Eliquis is associated with a lower risk of major bleeding than Xarelto. Eliquis had 12.9 major bleeding events per 1,000 patient-years, while Xarelto had 21.9 events in the same timeframe. Eliquis may be the better choice for patients concerned about bleeding risks.

Xarelto vs Eliquis Dosage

Xarelto is usually taken one or two times a day and is available in various doses, such as:

• • 2.5 mg
  • 10 mg
  • 15 mg
  • 20 mg

On the other hand, Eliquis is only available at 2.5 mg and 5 mg, usually taken two times a day. The specific medication dosage for each patient will depend on their condition and the physician’s recommendation.

Approved Indications of Xarelto vs Eliquis

Xarelto and Eliquis are both approved for the following conditions:

• • Lowers the risk of systemic embolism and stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
  • Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  • Treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE).
  • Reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE.
  • Prevents DVT after knee or hip replacement surgery.

However, Xarelto has broader indications, particularly for cardiovascular and pediatric use, including:

• • Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in acutely ill medical patients.
  • Reducing the risk of serious heart issues in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.
  • Lowering the risk of thrombotic vascular problems in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), including after revascularization.
  • Treatment of VTE and reducing the risk of recurrent VTE in pediatric patients from birth to 18 years.
  • Thromboprophylaxis treatment in children aged 2 years and older.

Xarelto vs Eliquis Mechanism of Action

Xarelto and Eliquis have different active ingredients. Xarelto contains rivaroxaban, while Eliquis contains apixaban. However, both drugs have the same mechanism of action. They inhibit factor Xa, an enzyme crucial for blood clot formation. By blocking this enzyme, both medications help prevent the formation or growth of clots, thereby reducing the risk of stroke, embolism, and other clot-related conditions.

Xarelto vs Eliquis Onset of Action

Research shows that Xarelto has a faster onset of action due to a quicker binding rate with factor Xa, leading to more rapid effects on thrombin generation. In contrast, Eliquis offers a steadier anticoagulant effect with less frequent monitoring. While Xarelto provides quicker results, Eliquis maintains more stable anticoagulation over time.

Xarelto vs Eliquis Cost

In the US, a one-month supply of the lowest dose of Xarelto or Eliquis is priced at around $300.Both are brand medications and can be expensive, especially for those without insurance. Neither drug is available in a generic form in the US.

However, online pharmacies often offer these medications at reduced prices. For instance, Pharma Giant, an online Canadian pharmacy partner that ships directly to the US, lists a 100-tablet supply of Xarelto at its lowest dose for just $199. The generic for the same dose and number of tablets is $59.00.

Eliquis, at its lowest dose of 60 tablets, is available for $157, and the generic version of this same dose can be found for $89.99. Exploring online options can lead to significant savings on these medications.

Can you take Eliquis and Xarelto together?

It is not recommended to take Eliquis and Xarelto together because they work the same way, significantly increasing the risk of bleeding and potentially causing complications. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Takeaway

Xarelto and Eliquis are equally effective for treating and preventing blood clots but differ in their dosages, safety profiles, approved indications, and onset of action. Eliquis is particularly associated with a lower risk of bleeding, while Xarelto offers more dosage strengths, a quicker onset of action, and broader indications, including pediatric use and heart-related conditions. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable option, as factors such as medical history, health status, age, and weight can impact treatment outcomes.

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