apixaban vs enoxaparin
Side-by-side comparison of apixaban and enoxaparin Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Eliquis
Lovenox
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.
Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a type of blood thinner. It helps prevent and treat blood clots.
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 prevent blood clots from forming after surgery or during illness when you are not moving around much. It also treats blood clots in your veins, with or without a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). Enoxaparin can also help prevent chest pain and heart attacks.
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.
Enoxaparin works by blocking certain proteins in your blood that help clots form. This helps to prevent new clots from forming and keeps existing clots from getting bigger. It makes your blood less likely to clot.
- • Bleeding more easily (like nosebleeds or heavier periods)
- • Bruising more easily
- • Bleeding
- • Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- • Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- • Increased liver enzymes
- • Diarrhea
- 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
- Shortness of breath 2,369
- Feeling sick to your stomach 2,353
- Using the medicine for something it is not approved for 2,302
- Loose or watery stools 2,244
- Low red blood cell count 2,190
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.
Enoxaparin can cause bleeding around your spine if you get an epidural or spinal tap. This can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines that can increase bleeding, like NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) or aspirin. Your doctor will monitor you for signs of nerve problems.
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.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Enoxaparin may not be safe for your baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
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How to Read This apixaban vs enoxaparin Comparison
apixaban is classified in the Direct Oral Anticoagulant (Factor Xa Inhibitor) drug class, while enoxaparin sits within the Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin 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 enoxaparin has 11,458. 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 enoxaparin — 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.