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Key takeaways
Pradaxa (dabigatran) and Eliquis (apixaban) are direct-acting oral anticoagulants, a type of blood thinner.
Both drugs are FDA-approved to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib), and to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in adults. Pradaxa has additional uses in pediatric patients.
The most common side effects of both medicines are related to bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and bruising. Pradaxa is also associated with stomach-related side effects, such as indigestion and upset stomach.
Insurance plans typically cover Pradaxa and Eliquis. Because there is a generic available for Pradaxa, out-of-pocket costs may be less expensive, but since each insurance plan is different, it’s best to check with your plan for more information about your costs.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice about Pradaxa and Eliquis.
Pradaxa (dabigatran) and Eliquis (apixaban) are two brand-name medications used to prevent and treat blood clots. Pradaxa is classified as a direct thrombin inhibitor. It works by blocking a substance called thrombin, helping to prevent blood clots. Eliquis is classified as a factor Xa inhibitor. It works by blocking a substance called factor Xa, which helps prevent blood clots from forming. While these drugs have some similarities, they are not exactly the same. Continue reading to learn more about Pradaxa and Eliquis.
What are the main differences between Pradaxa vs. Eliquis?
Pradaxa and Eliquis are anticoagulants, more specifically, direct-acting oral anticoagulants. Pradaxa contains the active ingredient dabigatran. It is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Eliquis contains the active ingredient apixaban and is available in brand name. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved some generic forms, generic apixaban is not yet available in the United States.
| Compare Pradaxa vs. Eliquis key differences | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pradaxa | Eliquis | |
| Drug class | Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC); blood thinner; direct thrombin inhibitor | Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC); blood thinner; factor Xa inhibitor |
| Brand/generic status | Brand and generic | Brand |
| What is the generic name? | Dabigatran; dabigatran etexilate | Apixaban (not yet available in generic) |
| What form(s) does the drug come in? | Oral capsule:
75 mg, 110 mg, 150 mg |
Oral tablet: 2.5 mg, 5 mg |
| What is the standard dosage? | Varies by use | Varies by use |
| How long is the typical treatment? | Varies | Varies |
| Who typically uses the medication? | Adults and pediatric patients (for some uses) 8 years and older | Adults |
What conditions are treated by Pradaxa vs. Eliquis?
Pradaxa and Eliquis are used to lower the risk of stroke and systemic embolism (dangerous blockages caused by blood clots) in adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). These drugs are also FDA-approved to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in adults, and to prevent DVT and PE in adults after hip replacement surgery (Eliquis is also FDA-approved for use after knee replacement surgery). Pradaxa has two additional approved uses in pediatric patients 8 years and older. The table below outlines the uses for both drugs.
| Compare Pradaxa vs. Eliquis conditions treated | |
|---|---|
| Pradaxa | Eliquis |
| Systemic embolism prevention and stroke prevention in adults with non-valvular AFib | Systemic embolism prevention and stroke prevention in adults with non-valvular AFib |
| Treatment of DVT and PE in adults | Treatment of DVT and PE in adults |
| To lower the risk of recurrence of DVT and PE in adults | To lower the risk of recurrence of DVT and PE in adults |
| Prevention of DVT and PE in adults after hip replacement surgery | Prevention of DVT and PE in adults after hip or knee replacement surgery |
| Treatment of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in pediatric patients 8 years and older | |
| To lower the risk of recurrence of VTE in pediatric patients 8 years and older |
Is Eliquis better than Pradaxa?
If you are considering taking one of these medications, you may wonder which is more effective, Eliquis or Pradaxa?
A 2023 study looked at Eliquis and Pradaxa, as well as several other blood thinners, Xarelto (rivaroxaban), and Savaysa (edoxaban). The researchers found Eliquis and Pradaxa to be comparable in effectiveness in clinical trials. Eliquis was associated with the least bleeding (followed by Pradaxa). However, the researchers noted that some groups of people, such as people with diabetes or people who also took digoxin, had a higher risk of death associated with Eliquis. However, this association was inconclusive, and more research is needed to establish a link.
Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. Because everyone has a unique medical history and individual factors to consider, only your healthcare provider can determine which medicine is most suitable for you.
Pradaxa vs. Eliquis: Insurance coverage and cost comparison
Insurance plans and Medicare prescription plans typically cover Pradaxa and Eliquis. In some cases, a prior authorization may be required. Some plans may charge more for (or may not cover) brand-name Pradaxa, since a generic is available, which is typically covered. Contact your insurance provider for the most up-to-date information on specific coverage and copay details.
If you are paying out of pocket, a typical one-month supply of brand-name Pradaxa would cost about $568, but using a free SingleCare card for generic dabigatran could bring the price down to as low as $97.
A one-month supply of Eliquis without insurance would cost approximately $799, but a free SingleCare card could reduce the price to as low as $507.
| Compare Pradaxa vs. Eliquis cost & coveragee | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pradaxa | Eliquis | |
| Typically covered by insurance? | Yes | Yes |
| Typically covered by Medicare Part D? | Yes (generic) | Yes |
| Typically covered by Medicaid? | Typically, the generic is covered, but coverage may vary by state. Check with your insurance plan for more information. | Typically, this drug is covered, but coverage may vary by state. Check with your insurance plan for more information. |
| Quantity | 60, 150 mg capsules | 60, 5 mg tablets |
| SingleCare cost | $97+ | $507+ |
Eliquis vs. Pradaxa side effects
Like any drug, Eliquis and Pradaxa have potential side effects. Although these drugs require less monitoring than older drugs such as warfarin, with any blood thinner, the most common side effects are related to bleeding, including:
- Bleeding of the gums
- Nosebleeds
- Bruising
- Blood in the urine
- Rectal bleeding
- Coughing up blood
- Heavier menstrual bleeding
Bleeding can be serious and life-threatening. If you have any unusual bleeding, call your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider, or for serious bleeding or hemorrhage (serious or uncontrolled bleeding), call 911 and go to the emergency room right away. Talk to your healthcare provider about steps to reduce the risk of bleeding, such as using appropriate tools when working outside, avoiding going barefoot, and using a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth.
Pradaxa is also commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects, such as indigestion, upset stomach, and stomach pain or discomfort—and in children, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Allergic reactions are rare, but you should get emergency medical help if you have symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
This is not a full list of side effects, and others may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice about the side effects of Eliquis and Pradaxa.
Pradaxa and Eliquis drug interactions and warnings
Before taking Pradaxa or Eliquis, tell your prescribing healthcare provider or cardiologist (doctor of cardiology) about your medical history and family history, including if you have a prosthetic heart valve, triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome, kidney or liver problems, or are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Also, tell your provider about all of the medications you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Check with your healthcare provider about the use of alcohol, as alcohol can have blood-thinning effects.
Tell your healthcare provider if you take any other drugs that can affect the blood, such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen), SSRI or SNRI antidepressants, or other blood thinners. These are considered risk factors for bleeding, including major bleeding.
Pradaxa should not be taken in combination with rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis. It can also interact with other drugs, such as dronedarone and ketoconazole.
Eliquis interacts with drugs such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and the supplement St. John’s wort. Check with your healthcare provider if you consume grapefruit juice.
RELATED: What foods to avoid while on Eliquis
Consult your healthcare provider for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you.
Pradaxa and Eliquis have black box warnings, the most serious warning required by the FDA. The prescription label warns that stopping a blood thinner too soon increases the risk of blood clots. Always follow the directions given by your healthcare provider. These drugs can also increase the risk of serious blood clots in the spine for people having certain procedures, which could lead to permanent paralysis. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks before undergoing any spinal procedures.
It is not known if Pradaxa or Eliquis can harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while taking Pradaxa or Eliquis. You should not breastfeed while taking Pradaxa or Eliquis.
- Pradaxa, DailyMed (2023)
- Pradaxa, PDR
- Eliquis, DailyMed (2021)
- Eliquis, PDR
- Living your best life while taking blood thinners, National Blood Clot Alliance
- Long-term comparative effectiveness and safety of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation: A nationwide cohort study, Frontiers in Pharmacology (2023)