Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsArixtra (Fondaparinux)Eliquis (Apixaban)Fragmin (Dalteparin)HeparinLovenox (Enoxaparin)Savaysa (Edoxaban)Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)WarfarinPlavix (Clopidogrel)Effient (Prasugrel)Brilinta (Ticagrelor)AspirinAnticoagulants vs. AntiplateletsChoosing the Right One
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Arixtra (Fondaparinux)
Eliquis (Apixaban)
Fragmin (Dalteparin)
Heparin
Lovenox (Enoxaparin)
Savaysa (Edoxaban)
Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)
Warfarin
Plavix (Clopidogrel)
Effient (Prasugrel)
Brilinta (Ticagrelor)
Aspirin
Anticoagulants vs. Antiplatelets
Choosing the Right One
Blood thinnersare a type of medication that prevents blood clots from forming in the body.
This article will review the most commonly prescribed blood thinner medications, how they work in the body, and the differences and similarities between them.
Getty Images /Scott Olson/ Staff
Arixtra is taken to prevent blood clotting, which can lead to apulmonary embolism.
Specifically, this medication is taken to prevent DVT in people who are undergoing:
Arixtra comes in an injection dosage form. It is administered intravenously (into the vein) in adults and as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection in adults and children.
Eliquis is taken to treat or prevent blood clots (such as DVT and pulmonary embolism) from developing. It can also be taken to reduce the risk of stroke for people who experiencenonvalvular atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heart rate.
Fragmin is indicated for preventing DVT, more commonly known as a blood clot in a vein,usually in the legs. It can also be taken to prevent complications in people withunstable angina, intended to be taken with aspirin at the same time.
Fragmin is available only as an injection, and it is administered as an IV.
Heparin is taken for:
Heparin is classified as an anticoagulant. Anticoagulants interact with the proteins responsible for blood clotting (antithrombin III) and stop the clotting factors.
Like Fragmin, heparin is also only available as an injection. It is given to people via IV.
Lovenoxis also taken to treat or prevent DVT, particularly in individuals who are undergoing abdominal surgery, knee replacement surgery, or hip replacement surgery or can’t move around due to a short-term illness.
Lovenox is classified as a low-molecular-weight heparin. When given, it has antithrombotic properties in the blood, which means that it reduces the formation of blood clots.
Lovenox, like heparin, is available only in injection form. It is usually given once a day for seven to 10 days when taken to prevent blood clots before surgery.
Lovenox (Enoxaparin) vs. Heparin for Blood Clots
Savaysa is intended for use to reduce the risk of stroke andsystemic embolismin individuals who have atrial fibrillation. It is also taken to treat DVT and pulmonary embolism.
Savaysa is available in tablet form only. It is available in three different strengths: 60 mg, 30 mg, and 15 mg. It is usually taken once a day. Savaysa may be crushed and mixed into applesauce for individuals who cannot swallow or experience difficulty swallowing.
Xarelto is intended for:
Unlike the other blood thinners discussed, Xarelto has two different dosage forms: oral tablet and oral liquid. Xarelto is available in four different strengths of tablets: 2.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg. It also comes in pre-flavored oral suspension, which is 1 mg/milliliter (mL) strength.
Xarelto vs. Eliquis: What You Need to Know
Warfarin’s intended use is for:
Warfarin only comes in oral tablet form. It is commercially available as a tablet in nine different strengths.
Plavix can help lower the risk of heart-related complications in people who have had a recent heart attack, stroke, or severe chest pain.
Plavix is taken as an oral tablet. It comes in two strengths: 75 mg and 300 mg.
Effient (prasugrel), like clopidogrel, is also a P2Y12 platelet inhibitor. Effient is taken to reduce any blood clots from forming in the heart. This includes individuals who have hadstentssurgically added to their heart.
Like Plavix, Effient is often taken along with aspirin.
Brilinta comes in 60 mg and 90 mg tablets.
Brilinta (Ticagrelor) vs. Plavix (Clopidogrel): Which Is Better?
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that alsoworks as a blood thinner. It is considered an antiplatelet agent.
People ages 40 to 59 who are at a high risk of developing heart disease and have no increased risk of bleeding may benefit from taking daily low-dose aspirin to prevent heart issues. However, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before starting this regimen.
What’s the Difference Between Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets?
Though anticoagulants and antiplatelets may seem to have the same functions and features, they do not.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelets both work in different places in the process of blood clotting. Anticoagulants prevent the blood clots from forming completely, whereas antiplatelets reduce the likelihood that platelets in the blood will clump up or clot.
Choosing the Right Blood Thinner for You
When deciding which blood thinner is the best choice for you, your provider will consider your existing medical conditions.
Antiplatelet drugs are mostly given to people who haveatherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a type of heart disease wherein plaque builds up in the arteries' valves.
In people who haveatherosclerosisas well as a high risk of blood clots, both an antiplatelet and an anticoagulant may be prescribed
When deciding which one is right for you, it is important to note your individual conditions and discuss them with your healthcare provider.Based on your conditions, they will determine which blood thinner is best.
Summary
Several anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs are commonly prescribed to help prevent or treat the formation of blood clots. These medications may differ in their specific indications and whom they would benefit most.
Blood thinners are usually taken for a range of conditions associated with blood clots, such as DVT, pulmonary embolism, and atrial fibrillation.
The wide range of blood thinners available gives healthcare providers multiple options to choose for their patients. It is important to discuss all your medical conditions with them so they can appropriately prescribe the blood thinner that suits you best.
The author would like to recognize and thank Sakina Yasmin Naqvi for contributing to this article.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Arixtra- fondaparinux sodium injection, solution.DailyMed.Label: Apixaban tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Fragmin- dalteparin sodium injection.DailyMed.Label: Heparin sodium injection.DailyMed.Label: Lovenox- enoxaparin sodium injection.DailyMed.Label: Savaysa- edoxaban tosylate tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Xarelto, rivaroxaban tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Warfarin sodium- warfarin tablet.DailyMed.Label: Plavix- clopidogrel tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Effient- prasugrel hydrochloride tablet, coated.DailyMed.Label: Brilinta- ticagrelor tablet.Wang M, Yu H, Li Z, et al.Benefits and risks associated with low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials and trial sequential analysis.Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2022;22(6):657-675. doi:10.1007/s40256-022-00537-6U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease: preventive medication.MedlinePlus.Aspirin.Shantsila E, Lip GYH.Antiplatelet versus anticoagulation treatment for patients with heart failure in sinus rhythm.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;9(9):CD003333. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003333.pub3.American Stroke Association.Let’s talk about anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Arixtra- fondaparinux sodium injection, solution.DailyMed.Label: Apixaban tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Fragmin- dalteparin sodium injection.DailyMed.Label: Heparin sodium injection.DailyMed.Label: Lovenox- enoxaparin sodium injection.DailyMed.Label: Savaysa- edoxaban tosylate tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Xarelto, rivaroxaban tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Warfarin sodium- warfarin tablet.DailyMed.Label: Plavix- clopidogrel tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Effient- prasugrel hydrochloride tablet, coated.DailyMed.Label: Brilinta- ticagrelor tablet.Wang M, Yu H, Li Z, et al.Benefits and risks associated with low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials and trial sequential analysis.Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2022;22(6):657-675. doi:10.1007/s40256-022-00537-6U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease: preventive medication.MedlinePlus.Aspirin.Shantsila E, Lip GYH.Antiplatelet versus anticoagulation treatment for patients with heart failure in sinus rhythm.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;9(9):CD003333. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003333.pub3.American Stroke Association.Let’s talk about anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed.Label: Arixtra- fondaparinux sodium injection, solution.DailyMed.Label: Apixaban tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Fragmin- dalteparin sodium injection.DailyMed.Label: Heparin sodium injection.DailyMed.Label: Lovenox- enoxaparin sodium injection.DailyMed.Label: Savaysa- edoxaban tosylate tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Xarelto, rivaroxaban tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Warfarin sodium- warfarin tablet.DailyMed.Label: Plavix- clopidogrel tablet, film coated.DailyMed.Label: Effient- prasugrel hydrochloride tablet, coated.DailyMed.Label: Brilinta- ticagrelor tablet.Wang M, Yu H, Li Z, et al.Benefits and risks associated with low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials and trial sequential analysis.Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2022;22(6):657-675. doi:10.1007/s40256-022-00537-6U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease: preventive medication.MedlinePlus.Aspirin.Shantsila E, Lip GYH.Antiplatelet versus anticoagulation treatment for patients with heart failure in sinus rhythm.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;9(9):CD003333. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003333.pub3.American Stroke Association.Let’s talk about anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
DailyMed.Label: Arixtra- fondaparinux sodium injection, solution.
DailyMed.Label: Apixaban tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Fragmin- dalteparin sodium injection.
DailyMed.Label: Heparin sodium injection.
DailyMed.Label: Lovenox- enoxaparin sodium injection.
DailyMed.Label: Savaysa- edoxaban tosylate tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Xarelto, rivaroxaban tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Warfarin sodium- warfarin tablet.
DailyMed.Label: Plavix- clopidogrel tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Effient- prasugrel hydrochloride tablet, coated.
DailyMed.Label: Brilinta- ticagrelor tablet.
Wang M, Yu H, Li Z, et al.Benefits and risks associated with low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials and trial sequential analysis.Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2022;22(6):657-675. doi:10.1007/s40256-022-00537-6
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease: preventive medication.
MedlinePlus.Aspirin.
Shantsila E, Lip GYH.Antiplatelet versus anticoagulation treatment for patients with heart failure in sinus rhythm.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;9(9):CD003333. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003333.pub3.
American Stroke Association.Let’s talk about anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
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