What’s the Difference Between Eliquis and Xarelto?
By Jennifer Hadley•
Eliquis and Xarelto are brand-name anticoagulants that are prescribed to prevent and treat blood clots. Both Eliquis and Xarelto are known as factor Xa inhibitors, which work to prevent or reduce the production of blood clots.
These medications are commonly referred to as blood thinners. Although there are many similarities between the medications, there are subtle differences, too.
Read on to learn more about the difference between Eliquis and Xarelto.
What’s the difference between Eliquis and Xarelto?
Eliquis and Xarelto share a lot in common, but they differ in a few ways, including:
- Conditions treated
- Dosage
- Common side effects
- Medication interactions
Conditions Treated by Eliquis and Xarelto
Xarelto and Eliquis are both prescribed to reduce the risk of embolism or stroke in individuals who have atrial fibrillation (AFib). They are also both prescribed to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in those with a history of DVT. In addition, both medications may be prescribed to treat pulmonary embolism or treat blood clots after surgery when mobility is limited.
However, Xarelto is also indicated to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and VTE-related death. Xarelto may also be prescribed in combination with an aspirin regimen to prevent a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Xarelto and Eliquis Differences in Dosage
The recommended dose of Xarelto is generally 10mg per day. For most people, the prescribed dose of Eliquis is 5mg taken twice a day. Some individuals may be prescribed 2.5 mg twice per day.
Common Side Effects of Xarelto and Eliquis
Common side effects of Eliquis and Xarelto differ. Common side effects of Xarelto may include major bleeding, itching, muscle spasms or pain, fainting, or pain in your arms or legs.
Common side effects of Eliquis may include an allergic reaction, skin rash, nausea, and anemia. Be sure to notify your health care provider of any side effects you experience from either medication.
Eliquis and Xarelto Medication Interactions
Eliquis and Xarelto may interact with dozens of medications, so your health care provider must know of all medications, over-the-counter vitamins, and supplements you currently take daily.
Both Eliquis and Xarelto may interact with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, antidepressants, and various strong enzyme inhibitors. Xarelto may also interact with barbiturates, seizure medications, and corticosteroids.
Do Eliquis and Xarelto work the same?
Eliquis and Xarelto do work in the same way. They both block factor Xa, which is responsible for the production of thrombin. Thrombin is needed for clot production. By blocking factor Xa, the likelihood of blood clots forming is reduced.
Is Xarelto or Eliquis safer?
Both Xarelto and Eliquis are FDA-approved, meaning they are safe medications to take if prescribed by your health care provider. However, one study concluded that patients taking Eliquis had lower rates of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism than those taking Xarelto. Eliquis has also been shown to have a lower risk of internal bleeding.
Which is better, Eliquis or Xarelto?
Eliquis and Xarelto are similarly effective, so your health care provider will help you to determine which medication is better for you.
Price Differences Between Eliquis and Xarelto
Both Eliquis and Xarelto have been approved for generic forms, though to date, neither are available on the market.
However, that could change soon as the patent for Xarelto expires in 2021, and the patent for generic Eliquis has already expired. The generic for Eliquis is apixaban, and the generic for Xarelto is rivaroxaban. Be sure to check RxSaver regularly for news on the availability of generics.
Until generics are available, both Xarelto and Eliquis remain expensive brand drugs, with both costing hundreds of dollars for a month’s supply without insurance. If you are insured, you will need to check with your health insurance to determine your financial responsibility.
How to Save on Eliquis and Xarelto
If you’re prescribed Xarelto or Eliquis you may be able to find discounts for these brand drugs until generics are widely available.
A $10 Co-Pay Card for qualified individuals with AFib which is not related to a heart valve offered by the manufacturer of Eliquis may help you save.
Likewise, the manufacturer offers a $10 Co-Pay Card for eligible individuals with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
RxSaver Advocacy Program
The Rx Advocacy Program from RxSaver may help you to save money on the cost of Eliquis or Xarelto. The RxAdvocacy Program is a prescription assistance program designed to help individuals who need high-cost prescription drugs and cannot afford them. Please contact a representative today to determine eligibility.
Talk to Your Health Care Provider
When it comes to choosing the best preventative treatment for blood clots, talk with your health care provider. Be sure they are aware of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, and all your underlying health conditions.
Jennifer Hadley
Jen Hadley is a freelance writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, who writes extensively about the medical, legal, health care, and consumer products industries. Jen is a regular contributor to RxSaver.
Jennifer Liang, PharmD
Chia Feng (Jenn) Liang, PharmD, is a pharmacist who earned her Pharm D. from St. John's University in Queens, NY. She remains in active practice serving as a local pharmacist for Walgreens. She has acted as the first point of care to the community and helped patients understand and manage chronic and acute conditions. She has educated patients on the role and importance of medication and adherence to improve health outcomes.
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