Switching from Eliquis to Xarelto: What do I need to know?
Why switch from Eliquis to Xarelto? How do I switch from Eliquis to Xarelto?
Eliquis (apixaban) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are two oral anticoagulants used in the treatment and prevention of blood clots. They are known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and are both factor Xa inhibitors.
Why switch from Eliquis to Xarelto?
Sometimes people will switch from one DOAC to another for a number of reasons including cost, side effects, your healthcare provider’s preference, or because, in the case of Xarelto, it is approved for a broader range of uses than Eliquis.
How do I switch from Eliquis to Xarelto?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions when switching from Eliquis to Xarelto. When switching from Eliquis to Xarelto you should stop taking Eliquis and then start taking Xarelto at the time your next dose of Eliquis is due. Do not take Eliquis and Xarelto at the same time.
This is the standard advice given when switching from one DOAC to another DOAC. If you are switching between other types of anticoagulants, such as a vitamin K antagonist like warfarin and a DOAC, then the process you need to follow will be different. Check with your doctor for advice.
Eliquis is taken twice a day and Xalrelto is usually taken once a day, but in some cases it also needs to be taken twice a day. Check with your healthcare provider about how frequently you need to take Xarelto after you have switched to it.
References
- Chen A, Stecker E, A Warden B. Direct Oral Anticoagulant Use: A Practical Guide to Common Clinical Challenges. J Am Heart Assoc. 2020;9(13):e017559. doi:10.1161/JAHA.120.017559.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Eliquis Product Label. [Accessed November 7, 2022]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/202155s034lbl.pdf.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Xarelto Product Label. [Accessed November 7, 2022]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/022406Orig1s039,202439Orig1s038correctedlbl.pdf.
Read next
What foods should I avoid while on Eliquis?
There is not a special diet that you should follow while you are taking Eliquis (apixaban). However, some foods and drinks can interact with it that you should be aware of. Grapefruit, pomelos, and certain teas are some examples of foods you should avoid while on Eliquis. Continue reading
Top 6 Eliquis Side Effects: What You Need to Know in Depth
Eliquis is an anticoagulant that is preferred over older anticoagulants, such as warfarin, because it doesn’t require regular blood tests, has fewer drug and food interactions, and it is less likely to cause bleeding. Although Eliquis is generally well tolerated, like any medication, it does have some side effects. We look in detail at six of the most common side effects of Eliquis:
- Slight bleeding
- Severe bleeding
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Spinal blood clots
- Increased liver enzymes and liver injury
- Blood clots when stopping Eliquis.
Xarelto vs Eliquis: How do they compare?
Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and Eliquis (apixaban) are novel anticoagulants that make blood less likely to clot (also called thinning the blood). Both belong to the class of medicines known as factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors and they are two of the most popular blood thinners on the market. Either one may be used to reduce the risk of stroke or treat and prevent blood clots in conditions such as DVT. Continue reading
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