Table of Contents

I. Examining Eliquis

II. Examining Xarelto

III. Realizing the Similarities

IV. Determining the Differences

V. Generic Eliquis and Xarelto Are Now Available

VI. Conclusion

VII. FAQ: How do you know whether Eliquis or Xarelto is right for you?

If you need to prevent blood clots, you have several treatment options to choose from. Two of the more common ones include Eliquis and Xarelto.

But what separates the two? What makes one better?

The best way to determine this is by considering each medication thoroughly. You can start by reading our article on what Eliquis is and how it works. But for a detailed comparison between Eliquis and Xarelto, stay with us here!

Examining Eliquis

Let’s start by examining Eliquis.

Prescribed Use

As an anticoagulant, Eliquis is great at slowing down your body’s ability to create blood clots. [1] So doctors typically prescribe it to prevent the following:

• Strokes and blood clots for those with atrial fibrillation, not caused by heart valve disease
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary embolism (PE) [1]

But doctors may prescribe Eliquis for reasons other than the ones already mentioned. So, if you’re considering the medication, be sure to discuss it with your doctor first.

Side Effects

If you do choose to take Eliquis, you may experience some side effects. These may include:

• Bleeding gums
• Nosebleeds
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Red, pink, or brown urine
• Red or black, tarry stools
• Swelling
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Rashes
• Chest pains or tightness
• Facial swelling
• Breathing difficulties
• Wheezing
• Dizziness or faintness [1]

It’s important to note that these side effects are actually fairly rare and quite serious. So alert your doctor immediately or seek emergency treatment if you notice any of them.

Drug Interactions

You should also keep an eye on what you consume while on Eliquis. Let your doctor know if you’re taking any of the following medications:

• Ketoconazole 
• Itraconazole 
• Ritonavir 
• Rifampin 
• Carbamazepine 
• Phenytoin 
• St. John’s wort 
• Antiplatelet agents
• Fibrinolytics
• Heparin 
• Aspirin
• Chronic NSAID use [2]

Eliquis may also react negatively to other substances. These include grapefruit juice and alcohol. [3]

Examining Xarelto

But what about Xarelto?

Prescribed Use

Xarelto and Eliquis may be prescribed for some similar conditions, including treating deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and reducing the risk of these blood clots recurring. Both medications may also be used to reduce stroke risk in certain patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. [1] [4] 

However, Xarelto has an additional use, when taken with aspirin, to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in some patients with coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease. [4] 

Side Effects

Taking Xarelto for any issue may cause some side effects. More common ones may include:

• Increased risk of bleeding
• Spinal or epidural blood clots (hematoma) [4]
• Muscle spasm 
• Pain in arms or legs
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Bloody, black, or tarry stools 
• Pink or brown urine
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums 
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Weakness
• Fainting 
• Blurred vision 
• Rash, itching, hives
• Pain or swelling around wound sites
• Urinating less than normal [5]

Let your doctor know if you experience any persistent or worrisome side effects.

Drug Interactions

Xarelto can also interact poorly with other medications. Let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following:

• Ketoconazole 
• Ritonavir 
• Carbamazepine
• Phenytoin 
• Rifampin 
• St. John’s wort
• Enoxaparin 
• Warfarin 
• Aspirin 
• Clopidogrel 
• Chronic NSAID use
• Anticoagulants [4]

Realizing the Similarities

Now that we’ve covered a basic overview of Eliquis and Xarelto, let’s look at what they have in common. Both medications:

• Help treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and lower the chance of these blood clots returning after treatment
• May reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
• Increase the risk of bleeding, which can sometimes be serious
• May interact with certain prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and supplements that affect bleeding
• Require caution with alcohol because heavy drinking can raise bleeding risk [2] [4]

Determining the Differences

The two medications aren’t completely alike, however. For one, they have their own pros, cons, and pricing. So, let’s explore some of them.

Benefits

To start, Eliquis offers the following pros:

• Helping patients with atrial fibrillation and other clotting disorders to reduce their risk of stroke effectively
• Allowing patients to take a blood thinner without regular blood tests or diet regulation
• Lowering the chances of leg and lung clots from forming again [2]

But that doesn’t mean that Xarelto has less to offer. In fact, it can provide the following benefits:

• Prevents strokes and stops clot formations
• Easing use by not requiring regular blood tests or frequent dose changes
• Interacting with fewer types of food than the average blood thinner, like Coumadin [4]

Downsides

With that said, not everything about either medication is perfect.

Eliquis typically comes with the following cons:

• Making bruising easier and bleeding harder to stop and treat
• Increasing the risk of internal bleeding
• Reacting poorly to artificial heart valves
• Requiring patients to take it until their doctor says otherwise
• Not recommended during pregnancy [2]
• No generic Eliquis available in the U.S. until at least April 2028, due to ongoing patent protection [6]

Xarelto, too, has its own downsides:

• Increasing the risk of bleeding
• Not recommended during pregnancy 
• Also, not allowed with mechanical heart valves [4]
• Having limited generic alternatives in the U.S. (rivaroxaban 2.5 mg) [7]

Generic Eliquis and Xarelto Are Now Available

Eliquis and Xarelto are now available in generic form through an online pharmacy referral service like RxConnected. Both Eliquis and Xarelto carry hefty price tags for many customers, but you can save hundreds of dollars by ordering generic alternatives to these popular medications. 

At RxConnected, we help connect you to licensed international fulfillment centers and/or pharmacies. If Canada does not have the generic available, you can often still get generics from countries where approved versions of generic Eliquis and Xarelto are already on the market. Generics will eventually be available in America, but why not start saving now?

Conclusion

So, as you can see, both Eliquis and Xarelto have their pros and cons. One medication may seem more appealing to you than the other. But either way, talk to your doctor about it. They should take your interests and concerns into consideration. And in turn, you should end up with the blood thinner medication that is best for you and your health. You can buy Xarelto or Eliquis online through RxConnected and have your prescriptions delivered straight to your door.

FAQ: How do you know whether Eliquis or Xarelto is right for you?

The right choice between Eliquis and Xarelto depends on why you need a blood thinner, your other medications, and your overall health history. Both medications can help prevent or treat blood clots, including DVT and PE, and both may be used to lower stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by heart valve disease. However, they can differ in dosing, side effects, interactions, and suitability for your specific condition.

Your doctor can help compare the benefits and risks based on your medical needs. Do not choose or switch between Eliquis and Xarelto on your own, since taking the wrong blood thinner or stopping treatment suddenly can raise your risk of serious bleeding or blood clots.

Before choosing a blood thinner:

1. Ask your doctor which option fits your condition.
2. Share your medication list.
3. Ask about food and alcohol interactions.
4. Confirm how long you may need treatment.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.