Two medicines, side by side
Apixaban vs heparin
Apixaban and heparin are both labeled for atrial fibrillation and blood clots (DVT and PE). Drugs@FDA records approvals of apixaban since 2012 and of heparin since 1939. Pharmacies paid $5.52 per Eliquis 5 mg tablet and $1.18 per mL (Heparin sodium 5,000 unit/mL vial) (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ and one is a brand and one a generic, so the two prices are not like for like. In FDA's classes, apixaban is a factor xa inhibitor and heparin an unfractionated heparin.
Check it at the source: the apixaban FDA label on DailyMed (effective April 24, 2026); the heparin FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 28, 2025).
Highlights of the apixaban record
Apixaban (Eliquis) · label of April 24, 2026
(A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF ELIQUIS INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS (B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA (A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF ELIQUIS INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including ELIQUIS, increases the risk of thrombotic events.
Used for
From the label: indicationsELIQUIS is a factor Xa inhibitor indicated: • to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. (1.1) • for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in adult patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 28, 2012
- Generic labelers
- 2 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $5.52 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the heparin record
Heparin · label of November 28, 2025
Used for
From the label: indicationsHeparin Sodium Injection is indicated for: Anticoagulant therapy in prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and its extension; Low-dose regimen for prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing major abdominothoracic surgery or who, for other reasons, are at risk of developing thromboembolic disease (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ); […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- February 9, 1939
- Generic labelers
- 18 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $1.18 per mL
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- In shortage
- Recalls
- 18
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Apixaban label of April 24, 2026, Heparin label of November 28, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do apixaban and heparin differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, apixaban is a factor xa inhibitor and heparin an unfractionated heparin.
Only the apixaban label carries a boxed warning.
Generics: apixaban since 2019; heparin since 1979 (Drugs@FDA).
| Apixaban | Heparin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Atrial fibrillation, Blood clots (DVT and PE), Stroke prevention | Blood clots (DVT and PE), Atrial fibrillation |
| Pharmacologic class | Factor Xa Inhibitor | Anti-coagulant, Unfractionated Heparin |
| How it works (label) | Apixaban is a selective inhibitor of FXa. It does not require antithrombin III for antithrombotic activity. Apixaban inhibits free and clot-bound FXa, and prothrombinase activity. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | Apixaban has a total clearance of approximately 3.3 L/hour and an apparent half-life of approximately 12 hours following oral administration. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | December 28, 2012 | February 9, 1939 |
| First generic approved | December 23, 2019 | March 13, 1979 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 2 labelers | 18 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $5.52 per tablet (Eliquis 5 mg tablet) | $1.18 per mL (Heparin sodium 5,000 unit/mL vial) |
| 12-month price change | -43% | +9% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 18 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 66,522 | 13,673 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
Do their labels mention each other?
Apixaban label, drug interactionsCoadministration of antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytics, heparin, aspirin, and chronic NSAID use increases the risk of bleeding.
Apixaban label, warnings and precautionsThese include aspirin and other antiplatelet agents, other anticoagulants, heparin, thrombolytic agents, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ].
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to apixaban
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions