{"id":632218,"date":"2025-05-08T18:13:11","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T22:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632218"},"modified":"2025-10-07T13:12:18","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T17:12:18","slug":"pradaxa-vs-eliquis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pradaxa-vs-eliquis\/","title":{"rendered":"Pradaxa vs. Eliquis: Differences, similarities & side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pradaxa<\/span><\/a> (dabigatran) and <\/span>Eliquis<\/span><\/a> (apixaban) are two brand-name medications used to prevent and treat <\/span>blood clots<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Pradaxa<\/span><\/a> is classified as a <\/span>direct thrombin inhibitor. It works by blocking a substance called thrombin, helping to prevent blood clots. <\/span>Eliquis<\/span><\/a> is classified as a <\/span>factor Xa inhibitor<\/span><\/a>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Pradaxa vs. Eliquis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pradaxa and Eliquis are <\/span>anticoagulants<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Compare Pradaxa vs. Eliquis key differences<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nPradaxa<\/b><\/td>\nEliquis<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nDirect-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)<\/span>; blood thinner; d<\/span>irect thrombin inhibitor<\/span><\/td>\nDirect-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)<\/span>; blood thinner; f<\/span>actor Xa inhibitor<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBrand\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nDabigatran; dabigatran etexilate<\/span><\/td>\nApixaban (not yet available in generic)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral capsule:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

75 mg, 110 mg, 150 mg<\/span><\/td>\n

Oral tablet: 2.5 mg, 5 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries by use\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nVaries by use<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and pediatric patients (for some uses) 8 years and older<\/span><\/td>\nAdults\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What conditions are treated by Pradaxa vs. Eliquis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pradaxa and Eliquis are used to lower the risk of <\/span>stroke<\/span><\/a> and systemic embolism (dangerous blockages caused by blood clots) in adults with non-valvular <\/span>atrial fibrillation<\/span><\/a> (AFib). These drugs are also FDA-approved to treat <\/span>deep vein thrombosis<\/span><\/a> (DVT) and <\/span>pulmonary embolism<\/span><\/a> (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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Compare Pradaxa vs. Eliquis conditions treated<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Pradaxa<\/b><\/td>\nEliquis<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Systemic embolism prevention and stroke prevention in adults with non-valvular AFib<\/span><\/td>\nSystemic embolism prevention and stroke prevention in adults with non-valvular AFib<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Treatment of DVT and PE in adults<\/span><\/td>\nTreatment of DVT and PE in adults<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
To lower the risk of recurrence of DVT and PE in adults\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTo lower the risk of recurrence of DVT and PE in adults\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prevention of DVT and PE in adults after hip replacement surgery<\/span><\/td>\nPrevention of DVT and PE in adults after hip <\/span>or knee<\/b> replacement surgery<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Treatment of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in pediatric patients 8 years and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
To lower the risk of recurrence of VTE in pediatric patients 8 years and older\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Eliquis better than Pradaxa?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you are considering taking one of these medications, you may wonder which is more effective, Eliquis or Pradaxa?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A 2023 study<\/span><\/a> looked at Eliquis and Pradaxa, as well as several other blood thinners, <\/span>Xarelto<\/span><\/a> (rivaroxaban), and <\/span>Savaysa<\/span><\/a> (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 <\/span>diabetes<\/span><\/a> or people who also took <\/span>digoxin<\/span><\/a>, had a higher risk of death associated with Eliquis. However, this association was inconclusive, and more research is needed to establish a link.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pradaxa vs. Eliquis: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Insurance plans and Medicare prescription plans typically cover Pradaxa and Eliquis. In some cases, a <\/span>prior authorization<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are paying out of pocket, a typical one-month supply of brand-name Pradaxa would cost about $568, but using a <\/span>free SingleCare card<\/span><\/a> for generic dabigatran could bring the price down to as low as $97.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A one-month supply of Eliquis without insurance would cost approximately $799, but a <\/span>free SingleCare card<\/span><\/a> could reduce the price to as low as $507.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Compare Pradaxa vs. Eliquis cost & coveragee<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nPradaxa<\/b><\/td>\nEliquis<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes (generic)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicaid?<\/b><\/td>\nTypically, the generic is covered, but coverage may vary by state. Check with your insurance plan for more information.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTypically, this drug is covered, but coverage may vary by state. Check with your insurance plan for more information.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n60, 150 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n60, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$97+<\/span><\/td>\n$507+<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Eliquis vs. Pradaxa side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Like any drug, <\/span>Eliquis<\/span><\/a> and Pradaxa have potential side effects. Although these drugs require less monitoring than older drugs such as <\/span>warfarin<\/span><\/a>, with any blood thinner, the most common side effects are related to bleeding, including:<\/span><\/p>\n