apixaban vs dabigatran
Side-by-side comparison of apixaban and dabigatran Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Eliquis
Pradaxa
Apixaban (Eliquis) is a medicine that helps prevent blood clots. It is used to lower the risk of stroke and other serious problems caused by blood clots.
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is a drug that helps to prevent blood clots from forming. It is used to lower the risk of stroke and treat or prevent other dangerous clots in your body.
Apixaban is used to lower the chance of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. It also prevents blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) that can happen after hip or knee replacement surgery. Apixaban is also used to treat DVT and lung clots (pulmonary embolism or PE), and to prevent them from coming back.
This medicine can help prevent strokes in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. It can also treat blood clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE). Dabigatran can also lower the risk of these clots coming back. It is also used to prevent blood clots after hip replacement surgery.
Apixaban is a type of drug called a factor Xa inhibitor. It works by blocking a substance in the blood that helps clots form. This helps to keep your blood flowing smoothly.
Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor. Thrombin is a substance in the blood that helps clots form. By blocking thrombin, dabigatran helps to keep your blood from clotting too easily.
- • Bleeding more easily (like nosebleeds or heavier periods)
- • Bruising more easily
- • Upset stomach
- • Bleeding more easily (such as nosebleeds or heavier periods)
- Irregular heartbeat 3,970
- Shortness of breath 3,598
- Stroke 3,508
- Blood clot 2,806
- Using the medicine for something it's not approved for 2,693
No adverse event reports.
Apixaban has two important warnings. First, stopping apixaban too early can raise your risk of blood clots. Don't stop taking it without talking to your doctor. Second, if you have spinal anesthesia or a spinal puncture while taking apixaban, you could get a blood clot around your spine, which can cause long-term paralysis.
Dabigatran has two important warnings. First, stopping this medicine too early can raise your risk of blood clots. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor. Second, this medicine can cause bleeding around the spine if you get an epidural or spinal tap. This can lead to paralysis. Tell your doctor if you are going to have any spinal procedures.
Apixaban is not recommended during pregnancy because it may increase the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking apixaban if you are breastfeeding. You may need to stop taking the drug or stop nursing.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Dabigatran may increase the risk of bleeding in the fetus. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine.
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How to Read This apixaban vs dabigatran Comparison
apixaban is classified in the Direct Oral Anticoagulant (Factor Xa Inhibitor) drug class, while dabigatran sits within the Direct Thrombin Inhibitor class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, apixaban has 16,575 submissions while dabigatran has 0. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between apixaban and dabigatran — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.