Brilinta and Eliquis are both widely recognized anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners. Brilinta is typically prescribed to lower mortality rates associated with cardiovascular incidents, such as heart attacks, especially in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Conversely, Eliquis is primarily aimed at reducing the risk of systemic embolism and stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
What is Brilinta?
Brilinta is developed for individuals who have experienced a major cardiac event. Studies have shown that Brilinta can significantly reduce the risk of a subsequent heart attack. Together with aspirin, Brilinta works by preventing platelets from clumping together, thereby reducing the likelihood of forming a new clot that could trigger another heart attack.
What is Eliquis?
Eliquis is an FDA-approved drug designed to treat and prevent hazardous blood clots that can impede blood flow. It is particularly useful in preventing blood clots and strokes in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and in treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Eliquis also helps avert the recurrence of DVT and PE, especially in patients who have had knee or hip replacement surgery.
What are the side effects of Brilinta and Eliquis?
The side effects of Brilinta and Eliquis differ from one another. Below are some prevalent side effects linked with each anticoagulant:
Brilinta
Brilinta can frequently cause increased bleeding, nosebleeds, and bruising. Other potential side effects include:
- dizziness
- cough
- nausea
- diarrhea
- irregular heartbeat
- high or low blood pressure
- back pain
- fatigue
- chest pain
Eliquis
Common side effects of Eliquis may include:
- skin rash
- allergic reactions
- fainting
- nausea
- anemia
What drugs interact with Brilinta and Eliquis?
Brilinta
Brilinta can interact with other blood thinners, HIV/AIDS treatments, seizure medications, and antifungals, among others. It can also interact with:
- dexamethasone (Decadron)
- digoxin (Lanoxin, Digitek, Digibind)
- nefazodone (Serzone)
- certain antibiotics
- cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins)
- heart or blood pressure medications
Eliquis
Eliquis may interact with heparin and other blood thinners, as well as the following medications:
- antibiotics
- antidepressants
- antifungals
- antithrombotics
- bone marrow stimulants
- bosentan
- conivaptan
- cyclosporine
- dextran
- heart or blood pressure medications
- hepatitis C medications
- HIV/AIDS medications
- imatinib
- isoniazid
- nefazodone
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- rifapentine
- salicylates (aspirin, Pepto-Bismol, etc.)
- seizure medications
- vasodilators
How to take Brilinta and Eliquis?
Brilinta
Brilinta can be taken with or without food. It is often prescribed in conjunction with aspirin, but the appropriate dosage and strength of aspirin should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Taking more than 100 mg of aspirin daily can reduce the effectiveness of Brilinta.
Note: Avoid exceeding your doctor’s recommended amount of aspirin. Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any other aspirin-containing products, and avoid new over-the-counter medications that contain aspirin.
Eliquis
The usual dosage for Eliquis is 5 mg taken orally twice a day. A lower dosage of 2.5 mg twice daily may be recommended for patients who meet at least two of the following criteria:
- age ≥ 80 years
- body weight ≤ 60 kg
- serum creatinine ≥ 1.5 mg/dL