Different types of blood thinners are used for reducing the risk of blood clots, including Eliquis (apixaban) and warfarin. In terms of Eliquis vs warfarin, what is the difference? Understanding the differences between these blood thinners helps determine which one is more suitable for use.
Eliquis
Eliquis is the brand name for apixaban, a blood thinner or anticoagulant.
Uses
Eliquis is used for preventing or treating deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It is also used to reduce the risk of systemic embolism and stroke in individuals with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Contraindications
Eliquis is not suitable for use in individuals who have active pathological bleeding or severe hypersensitivity to this medication. It can also have potentially dangerous effects for those who are receiving spinal or epidural anesthesia or punctures, as well as individuals with prosthetic heart valves and patients with other conditions, such as triple positive antiphospholipid syndrome.
Warfarin
Warfarin is the generic name for the anticoagulant or blood thinner with the brand name Coumadin and Jantovin.
Uses
Warfarin is used for preventing or treating deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and clotting complications that can occur with atrial fibrillation or cardiac valve replacement. This medication is also used to reduce the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction and stroke or systemic embolization that occurs after myocardial infarction.
Contraindications
Warfarin has several contraindications, including pregnancy and certain medical conditions. It is not considered safe to use during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects. This medication is also contraindicated for individuals who have hemorrhagic tendencies, bleeding tendencies associated with active ulceration and other conditions, malignant hypertension, spinal punctures, and lumbar block anesthesia. Warfarin should also be avoided in patients with hypersensitivity to this medication.
Eliquis vs Warfarin â What is the Difference?
Eliquis and warfarin are used for similar conditions, although warfarin has also been approved for use in preventing heart attack and stroke in individuals who have had a heart attack before.
Warfarin has certain food interactions that should be noted. For example, vitamin K can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin. There are no similar food interactions with Eliquis. Those who take warfarin might also need to be monitored using INR labs to determine the effectiveness of this blood thinner. Those taking Eliquis typically do not require this same monitoring.
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