Eliquis vs. warfarin: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

In this article:

• Main differences
• Conditions treated
• Efficacy
• Coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Interactions
• Warnings
• Safety
• FAQs

In this article

• Main differences
• Conditions treated
• Efficacy
• Coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Interactions
• Warnings
• Safety
• FAQs

Eliquis and warfarin are medications used to prevent and treat clotting disorders. Both drugs are oral anticoagulants that lower the risk of stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and other clotting disorders by preventing blood clots. Blood thinners like Eliquis and warfarin are usually prescribed by a cardiologist.

Although both Eliquis and warfarin are part of a broad group of medications called blood thinners, or anticoagulants, they are not exactly the same. Continue reading to learn more about Eliquis and warfarin. 

Main differences between Eliquis vs. Warfarin

	Eliquis	Warfarin
Drug class	Factor Xa inhibitor; also known as a direct oral anticoagulant	Vitamin K antagonist
Brand/generic status	Brand	Generic
What is the generic name? What is the brand name?	Generic name: apixaban (not yet available as a generic)	Brand names: Coumadin  (no longer available as a brand-name) and Jantoven
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Tablet, Starter pack	Tablet
What is the standard dosage?	2.5 mg or 5 mg by mouth twice a day; dosage varies by indication *Routine INR monitoring is not required	Varies based on regular blood tests (INR blood test)
How long is the typical treatment?	Varies	Varies
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults	Adults; sometimes used off-label in children

What are the main differences between Eliquis and warfarin?

Eliquis (apixaban) and warfarin (often referred to by the brand name Coumadin, even though this brand name is no longer available on the market) are both anticoagulants or blood thinners. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both drugs for prescription use. 

Eliquis is made by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Eliquis is available in brand-name only, but a generic will likely be available sometime in 2028. 

Warfarin is available in generic form only. The brand-name product, Coumadin, was discontinued by its manufacturer in April 2020. Warfarin is made by various generic manufacturers. 

Warfarin requires routine monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR) through blood tests, while Eliquis does not require regular INR monitoring.

The INR measures how quickly the blood clots. If the blood clots too quickly, there is a higher risk of blood clots. If the blood is clotting too slowly, there is more of a risk of bleeding. The goal is to keep the INR in a therapeutic range (usually 2 to 3, but may vary based on the person), where the blood does not clot too fast or slow. Based on the INR blood test results, the warfarin dose may be changed. 

Conditions treated by Eliquis and Warfarin

Eliquis is FDA-approved to:

• Lower stroke risk and systemic embolism risk in adult patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation 
• Prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in adults after hip or knee replacement surgery
• Prevent and treat DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE) in adults
• Treat venous thromboembolism (VTE), including DVT and PE, and lower the risk of recurrent VTE in pediatric patients (from birth and older) after at least five days of initial treatment with an anticoagulant

Warfarin is FDA-approved to:

• Prevent and treat DVT and PE
• Prevent and treat complications from atrial fibrillation and/or cardiac valve replacement
• Lower the risk of death, recurrent heart attack, and clotting events such as stroke, after a heart attack

Warfarin does not treat an established clot or reverse tissue damage. Once a clot has occurred, however, it can be used to prevent it from growing and to prevent serious or fatal complications. 

Is Eliquis or Warfarin more effective?

Many doctors are more commonly prescribing factor Xa inhibitors such as Eliquis. Because regular monitoring is not required, the dosage generally does not require adjustments. Also, there are fewer drug interactions, no dietary restrictions, and a lower risk of bleeding with Eliquis compared to warfarin. 

 A clinical trial called ARISTOTLE looked at the safety and efficacy of Eliquis compared to warfarin. Eliquis was found to be more effective than warfarin in lowering the risk of stroke and systemic embolism. People who took Eliquis also had significantly fewer bleeding episodes than those who took warfarin. A study published in 2025 found that Eliquis was associated with lower risks of stroke and systemic embolism, and a lower risk of major bleeding events when compared to warfarin. However, although research has found Eliquis to be more effective and cause fewer side effects, many people do very well on warfarin. 

The best drug for you can only be determined by your health care provider, who can take into account the full picture of your medical condition(s), medical history, and other medications you take that could interact with Eliquis or warfarin. 

Coverage and cost comparison of Eliquis vs. Warfarin

Both medications are typically covered by insurance and Medicare Part D, but there’s a significant difference in out-of-pocket costs.

• A 30-day supply of Eliquis (60 tablets, 5 mg) can cost around $810 without insurance, but SingleCare coupons can lower the price to as low as $488.
• A 30-day supply of warfarin (30 tablets, 5 mg) is far cheaper—around $29 without insurance, and as low as $4 with a SingleCare card.

Comparing the cost of Eliquis vs. Warfarin

	Eliquis	Warfarin
Typically covered by insurance?	Yes	Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	Yes	Yes
Standard dosage	#60, 5 mg tablets	#30, 5 mg tablets
Typical Medicare Part D copay	Varies	$0-$10
SingleCare cost	$488+	$4+

Common side effects of Eliquis vs. Warfarin

Both drugs are associated with an increased risk of bleeding, which can sometimes be serious. However, Eliquis is generally associated with fewer bleeding episodes. 

Comparing the side effects of Eliquis vs. Warfarin

Side effect	Eliquis	Warfarin
Bleeding (nose, gums, urine, etc.)	Yes	Yes
Anemia	Yes	No
Nausea	Yes	Yes
Stomach pain, bloating, cramping	No	Yes
Fatigue, weakness	No	Yes
Headache or dizziness	No	Yes
Rash or itching	No	Yes

RELATED: Is it safe to stop blood thinners before surgery?

Drug interactions of Eliquis vs. warfarin

Eliquis and warfarin interact with many other medicines, especially other blood thinners, NSAIDs, and certain antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Warfarin has more known interactions and is also affected by vitamin K in food (e.g., leafy greens). Healthcare professionals usually recommend keeping your vitamin K intake consistent each day, rather than avoiding these foods or consuming large amounts.

RELATED: What foods to avoid while on Eliquis

Comparing interactions of Eliquis vs. Warfarin

Drug Type	Example	Does Eliquis interact?	Does Warfarin interact?
NSAIDs	Ibuprofen	Yes	Yes
Anticoagulants	Heparin	Yes	Yes
Antiplatelets	Aspirin	Yes	Yes
SSRI/SNRI antidepressants	Duloxetine, sertraline	Yes	Yes
Enzyme inhibitors	Ketoconazole	Yes	Yes
Enzyme inducers	Phenytoin	No	Yes

This is not a full list of drug interactions. Consult your healthcare provider for more information.

Warnings of Eliquis and warfarin

Eliquis carries a boxed warning about increased clot risk if stopped suddenly, and potential spinal bleeding during certain procedures. It is not recommended for people with prosthetic heart valves or triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome.

Warfarin also has a boxed warning due to the risk of major bleeding. Patients need regular INR monitoring, and factors like diet, illness, and drug changes can impact INR levels.

Before taking Eliquis or warfarin, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider can give you medical advice in these situations. 

• Eliquis is typically not used during pregnancy. You should talk about pregnancy planning with your healthcare provider before using Eliquis, and tell your provider if you become pregnant while taking Eliquis. If your healthcare provider does recommend Eliquis use during pregnancy, you will be monitored closely. Breastfeeding is not recommended during Eliquis treatment.
• Warfarin should not be used during pregnancy, except in people with mechanical heart valves when the benefits outweigh the risks. Women who can become pregnant will usually be given a pregnancy test before starting warfarin, and should use an effective form of birth control while taking warfarin and for some time after the last dose. You can talk to your healthcare provider about the best type of birth control for you. If you are breastfeeding, ask your provider for medical advice.

How to stay safe while taking a blood thinner

Taking a blood thinner can make you more likely to bleed, so taking steps to prevent bleeding is important. Here are some tips:

• Get emergency medical attention right away if you fall or hit your head. Even if you are not bleeding, you may be bleeding under the skin or in your skull. 
• Be careful when using sharp objects like knives, scissors, and razors. Better yet, use an electric razor. 
• Use a soft toothbrush, waxed floss, and avoid toothpicks for dental care.
• Avoid activities that could cause injury. Ask your doctor what type of exercise, such as swimming or walking, is appropriate for you. 
• Wear a helmet when riding a bike. 
• Wear a medical alert ID that says you take a blood thinner.
• Wear shoes or non-slip slippers inside. Always wear shoes when outside.
• For foot care, be careful when cutting your toenails. Do not try to trim calluses—go to a podiatrist.
• Wear appropriate gloves for using sharp tools or working in the yard when working outside.

Frequently asked questions about Eliquis vs. Warfarin

Are Eliquis and warfarin the same?

Eliquis and warfarin are both blood thinners that can be used to prevent or treat blood clots. Although both drugs are blood thinners, they are not the same. They work differently and have differences in terms of dosing, monitoring requirements, and drug interactions. Although both cause bleeding as the main side effect, other side effects are not the same. The information above outlines the differences between the two drugs. 

Is Eliquis or warfarin better?

In the ARISTOTLE clinical study, Eliquis was found to be more effective than warfarin and caused fewer bleeding episodes. Eliquis also does not require monitoring, has fewer drug interactions, and is not affected by dietary vitamin K intake. However, since every person has a unique medical history, only the healthcare provider can determine if Eliquis or warfarin would be better. 

Is Eliquis safer than warfarin?

In the ARISTOTLE study, which compared Eliquis and warfarin, Eliquis was shown to cause fewer bleeding events. However, many people take either Eliquis or warfarin safely. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which is more appropriate for you. 

Can I use Eliquis or warfarin while pregnant?

Eliquis is generally only prescribed during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks, generally only in certain high-risk situations. Warfarin should not be used in pregnant women, with the exception of pregnant women who have mechanical heart valves and are at high risk for clots, where the healthcare provider has determined the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 

Can I use Eliquis or warfarin with alcohol?

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking a blood thinner. Alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with a blood thinner like Eliquis or warfarin. Some healthcare providers may allow small amounts in some instances, but check with your provider for personalized medical advice. 

Is there a cheaper alternative to Eliquis?

Eliquis generics are expected to be available sometime in 2028. You can use an Eliquis copay card or a free SingleCare card to save money on Eliquis. Or, if Eliquis is too expensive, you can ask your healthcare provider about other alternatives that would be appropriate for you.

What is the safest blood thinner to take?

All blood thinners on the market are FDA-approved and have undergone testing for safety and effectiveness. Newer blood thinners like Eliquis tend to cause fewer bleeding episodes than older ones like warfarin. Your healthcare provider can determine which blood thinner is safest for you, considering your medical conditions and other individual factors.

When should I call my doctor about bleeding from Eliquis or warfarin?

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have unusual bleeding, such as heavy periods, blood in the urine or stool, coughing up or vomiting blood, bruising without a reason, or bleeding and cuts that do not stop quickly. Get emergency medical help for heavy or uncontrollable bleeding after a fall, head injury, or any other concerning bleeding. Be sure to tell anyone who treats you that you take a blood thinner.