What is the difference between eliquis and xarelto?

Have you ever wanted to explore more about anticoagulants but didn’t know where to start? Fear not, my friend! In this wacky article, we’ll take a dive into two of the most popular oral anticoagulants on the market: Eliquis and Xarelto (but no worries, no actual diving involved).

Introducing Our Antagonists: Eliquis vs. Xarelto

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves like that one person who’s taking an elevator all by themselves and decides to press every button possible just for thrills (don’t be that person), let’s address our opponents.

  • Eliquis: A type of medication called apixaban from Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer Inc., approved in 2012.
  • Xarelto: Also known as rivaroxaban from Janssen Pharmaceuticals/Bayer Healthcare AG, which received FDA approval in 2011.

Both drugs function similarly by inhibiting Factor-Xa – fancy-speak for preventing blood clotting. Some may refer to it as being “blood thinners” since they help prevent clots but don’t actually make your blood any thinner than water (wouldn’t that be something?).

So what sets these two apart? Let’s dig in!

Dosing Differences

Now pay attention because this is where things become jejune:

Drug Therapeutic Dose Frequency
Eliquis 5 mg twice daily Daily
Xarelto 20 mg once daily Daily

Didn’t understand anything above? Don’t panic – I have good news! There are lower doses available depending on why you’re prescribed such medications or if there’s concern with reduced kidney function. There’s a 2.5mg twice-a-day dose taken for atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis (clots in the leg) prevention with eliquis or a 15mg once a day long term therapy option with Xarelto if you have Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).

Usage Differences

Now, let’s take a closer look at when to use Eliquis versus Xarelto.

  • Eliquis: This drug is best used for those who’ve had knee or hip surgery.
  • Xarelto: On the other hand, it’s generally prescribed for preventing blood clots following knee/hip replacement surgery as well and treating DVT/or pulmonary embolism (let me emphasize that BOTH can treat Pulmonary Embolism).

Both medications are used to reduce risk of stroke from non-valvular atrial fibrillation (I know what some of these words mean… but all together? No way) – aka irregular heartbeat – which usually gives both drugs equal chances.

Bleeding Battle: Which Causes More?

Ah yes… one of the biggest side effect concerns folks have around taking oral anticoagulants: bleeding risks.

So how do their potential bleeding problems compare?

Well, according to A Complicated Network Meta-analysis(The easy-to-read guide version), it appears there doesn’t seem to be much difference between them on this front concerning major bleeding(remember that term, we will come back ). Of course, every case varies – so generalizing would not be appropriate!

However, here comes an exception:

It seems Eliquis has fewer incidents compared with warfarin treatment which was been widely employed before direct oral anticoagulants started trying showing off and being flashy!

Xarelto also has been shown promising results against warfarin related bleed incidences but compared head-to-head vs eliquis? Sorry mate, Xarelto’s just lagging here.

Clearance: Who’s Staying Longer Than They Should?

I’m not talking about Airbnb guests who missed their flight and now need a place to stay for an extended weekend (don’t even get me started on that one). I’m referring to clearance time – which basically means how long it stays in your system.

  • Eliquis: The half-life(medical term for clearance) ranges between seven to nine hours.
  • Xarelto: Generally has a bioavailability of 80-100% and clears from the body within twenty-four hours.

What does this mean in human terms? Essentially, Eliquis kick-outs quicker than Selena Gomez kicks out people blocking her view at Coachella while Xarelto is like Tony Stark when he announces his leaving party – you know once it leaves your system.

How They Interact With Other Drugs

Another important factor to keep in mind when taking medication is drug-interaction!

Are you currently taking another medication alongside Eliquis or Xarelto? If so, best be aware some mixing may result in added complications:

  • Eliquis: Avoiding antiplatelet drugs like Aspirin increases bleeding risk (remember major bleeding we talked about earlier).

It can also interact with drugs boosting its activity against excessive clotting that could consequently spin into overt bleed issue. It wouldn’t hurt contacting your doctor if they think there might be any benefit adjusting dosage or therapy duration.

Xarelto: Co-administration with Cytp3A4/P-glycoprotein active inhibitors clearly boost levels of drug blood concentration, evidence points towards possible increased bleeds due advanced inhibiting function against clotting factors (relevant x-men superpower) .

Combination leads advising about interactions as well since simultaneous use creates greater opportunity for adverse risks outcomes.

Conclusion

That’s all folks! It’s challenging for me to tell you which medication is “better” because both have unique qualities underneath the surface.

Ultimately, it’s best to speak with your doctor about what medicine may be most effective for your specific needs. And might I remind you once again that doctors are significantly knowledgeable and qualified in this field compared to Dr.Google?

But you know what they say: Knowledge is power(It really can save lives). Let’s keep exploring!

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