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Xarelto vs Eliquis: How do they compare?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 21, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and Eliquis (apixaban) are novel anticoagulants that make blood less likely to clot. Both belong to the class of medicines known as factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors and they are two of the most popular blood thinners on the market. Either one may be used to reduce the risk of stroke or treat and prevent blood clots in conditions such as DVT.

Xarelto was first approved in 2012 and Eliquis was first approved in 2011.

What is the cost of Eliquis vs Xarelto?

The average cost of Eliquis is around $550 for a month’s supply, which is the same as Xarelto. Both Eliquis and Xarelto are significantly more expensive than warfarin which is also used to prevent blood clotting (warfarin costs around $19 per month).

There is a generic version of Eliquis that has been approved but it is not commercially available and recently the makers of Eliquis, Bristol Myers Squibb, were able to extend their patent till 2026. There is no approved generic of Xarelto. The patent for Xarelto lasts until 2039.

Are there any differences in effectiveness between Eliquis Vs Xarelto?

Two large retrospective studies (78,702 patients [Study 1] + 581,451 patients [study 2]) have found that overall, Eliquis appears to be more effective than Xarelto.

Related questions

Are there any differences in side effects between Eliquis Vs Xarelto?

Two large retrospective studies (78,702 patients [Study 1] + 581,451 patients [study 2]) have found that overall, Eliquis appears to be safer than Xarelto.

References
  • Fralick, M., Colacci, M., Schneeweiss, S., Huybrechts, K. F., Lin, K. J., & Gagne, J. J. (2020). Effectiveness and Safety of Apixaban Compared With Rivaroxaban for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation in Routine Practice: A Cohort Study. Annals of internal medicine, 172(7), 463–473. https://doi.org/10.7326/M19-2522
  • Ray, W. et al. Association of Rivaroxaban vs Apixaban With Major Ischemic or Hemorrhagic Events in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. JAMA. 2021;326(23):2395-2404. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2787319 doi:10.1001/jama.2021.21222
  • Dressler, D. et al. Apixaban Might Be Safer and More Effective Than Rivaroxaban for Atrial Fibrillation. NEJM Journal Watch, Ann Intern Med 2020 Mar 9. https://www.jwatch.org/na51065/2020/03/09/apixaban-might-be-safer-and-more-effective-rivaroxaban

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Feverfew, an herbal supplement that is a member of the daisy family, may interact with over 40 medicines. This includes drugs used to help prevent blood clots like the anticoagulant warfarin. Continue reading

How does Xarelto work?

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) works by blocking a blood protein called clotting Factor Xa (10a) that helps to stop bleeding. This action can keep blood clots from developing or getting worse. Continue reading

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