Eliquis alternatives: What can I take instead of Eliquis?

In this article:

• What can I take instead of Eliquis?
• Compare Eliquis alternatives
• Top 5 Eliquis alternatives
• Natural alternatives to Eliquis
• How to switch to an Eliquis alternative

In this article

• What can I take instead of Eliquis?
• Compare Eliquis alternatives
• Top 5 Eliquis alternatives
• Natural alternatives to Eliquis
• How to switch to an Eliquis alternative

Eliquis is a brand-name prescription drug used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). It is also FDA approved to treat and prevent certain types of blood clots. The generic name of Eliquis is apixaban. It is part of a group of drugs called anticoagulants and is further classified as a factor Xa inhibitor. Eliquis is a commonly prescribed anticoagulant. However, if you are experiencing side effects, drug interactions, or poor blood clot control with Eliquis, you might consider other anticoagulant options. You and your healthcare provider can also decide to switch your medication due to other reasons, like cost. 

Continue reading to learn about Eliquis alternatives and how they compare. 

What can I take instead of Eliquis?

There are many options available that can be taken as alternatives to Eliquis. These include other types of anticoagulants, including other factor Xa inhibitors, direct thrombin inhibitors, and vitamin K antagonists. Each medication has its own side effect profile, recommended dosage, and indications. 

Compare Eliquis alternatives
Drug name	Price without insurance	SingleCare price	Savings options
Eliquis (apixaban)	$833 for 60, 5 mg tablets	$488 for 60, 5 mg tablets of brand-name Eliquis at Kroger	See latest prices
Pradaxa (dabigatran)	$504 for 60, 150 mg capsules	$50 for 60, 150 mg capsules of generic Pradaxa at CVS	See latest prices
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)	$807 for 60, 2.5 mg tablets	$108 for 60, 2.5 mg tablets of generic Xarelto at CVS	See latest prices
Savaysa (edoxaban)	$537 for 30, 60 mg tablets	$451 for 30, 60 mg tablets of brand-name Savaysa at Kroger	See latest prices
Coumadin or Jantoven (warfarin)	$22 for 30, 5 mg tablets	$4 for 30, 5 mg tablets of generic Jantoven at Walmart	See latest prices
Heparin	$235 for 25, 1 mL of 5000 unit/mL vials	$41 for 25, 1 mL of 5000 unit/mL vials of generic heparin ta Publix	See latest prices

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of October 21, 2005. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

Other alternatives to Eliquis

• Lovenox (enoxaparin)
• Fragmin (dalteparin)
• Iprivask (desirudin)
• Arixtra (fondaparinux)

Top 5 Eliquis alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to [drug].

1. Xarelto

Xarelto is an oral anticoagulant that is approved to lower the risk of stroke and other blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Compared to Eliquis, Xarelto can be used for a broader range of indications. It can be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems in people with coronary artery disease. It can also reduce the risk of severe clotting events in people with peripheral artery disease. 

Xarelto works as a factor Xa inhibitor that prevents the formation of blood clots. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that Xarelto has a higher risk of major bleeding side effects than Eliquis. Both anticoagulants are similarly effective, however, and Xarelto may be preferred over Eliquis due to its once-daily dosing. 

2. Pradaxa (dabigatran)

Like Eliquis, Pradaxa is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant FDA-approved to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. They both can be used in adults to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) as well. However, it contains the active ingredient dabigatran, which is a direct thrombin inhibitor that blocks a clotting factor called thrombin to reduce the formation of blood clots. The most common side effects of Pradaxa are indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and bleeding. It is usually given at a dosage of 150 mg twice daily. 

Unlike Eliquis, Pradaxa can also be used in certain children aged 8 years and older.

3. Savaysa (edoxaban)

Savaysa is another appropriate alternative to Eliquis for AFib patients. Like Eliquis, Savaysa works as a factor Xa inhibitor, but it is typically only taken once per day instead of twice per day. The most common side effects of Savaysa are bleeding, rash, anemia, and abnormal liver function tests. Savaysa is not recommended in people with moderate to severe liver problems. 

4. Warfarin

Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that blocks the liver from using vitamin K to make clotting factors. It is available as a generic, which means it is generally cheaper than brand-name drugs. Unlike the dose of newer blood thinners, the dose of warfarin will depend on international normalized ratio (INR) values through regular blood tests. Warfarin is approved to prevent blood clots in atrial fibrillation and heart valve replacement. 

5. Heparin

Heparin is a blood thinner that prevents the formation of blood clots. It is typically administered via intravenous injection or infusion. It can also be given as a subcutaneous injection. There is no oral form of heparin, and it is usually administered in a hospital setting. 

Natural alternatives to Eliquis

Some foods and dietary supplements may have blood-thinning effects. 

Ginger

Ginger contains salicylate, the same active ingredient in aspirin. Aspirin works as an antiplatelet to prevent platelets from forming a blood clot. Ginger may help stop blood clotting in a similar way. However, the exact blood-thinning effects of ginger are unclear and more studies are needed. 

Turmeric

Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin. This spice may have anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties. Studies have shown that curcumin may help maintain anticoagulant status. 

Garlic

Garlic has been shown to have antiplatelet blood-thinning effects. However, the composition of garlic supplements can affect how well garlic works. The blood-thinning effects of garlic may also not last long enough to confer benefits. 

There may be other natural alternatives to Eliquis. While they may provide some benefits, certain foods and over-the-counter supplements can cause side effects or have drug interactions with other medications you may be taking. Dietary supplements should not replace or be used as a substitute for FDA-approved medications, such as Eliquis. Consult with a healthcare provider if you are considering a natural alternative to Eliquis. 

How to switch to an Eliquis alternative

Eliquis may be switched to an alternative anticoagulant through specific processes, which may vary depending on the drug being switched. 

Switching from Eliquis to warfarin

• Stop Eliquis
• At the time the next Eliquis dose would be due, start warfarin and a parenteral anticoagulant
• INR levels should be monitored for two days after stopping Eliquis
• Discontinue the parenteral anticoagulant when INR is at goal

Switching from Eliquis to heparin

• Discontinue Eliquis
• At the time the next Eliquis dose would be due, start heparin

Switching from Eliquis to Pradaxa, Xarelto, or Savaysa

• Discontinue Eliquis
• At the time the next Eliquis dose would be due, start Pradaxa, Xarelto, or Savaysa

Eliquis should only be switched to an alternative under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Consult with a cardiologist or other healthcare provider for medical advice on the most appropriate treatment option.