Brilinta vs Eliquis: Which Blood Thinner is Right for You?

Brilinta vs Eliquis: Both are trusted blood thinners that reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. The main difference lies in how they work: Brilinta prevents platelets from sticking together, while Eliquis slows the clotting process by targeting clotting proteins. Your doctor will determine which option best fits your needs based on your health history and condition.

You’re not alone if you’ve been prescribed a blood thinner by your healthcare provider. According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, around eight million American adults are taking blood thinners. The reasons people take this type of medication vary, but blood thinners are lifesaving medications for these individuals. 

Blood thinners come in various forms, including injections or a pill that’s taken orally. If you’re new to taking this type of medication, you may be wondering which is best for you: Brilinta vs Eliquis. 

This article will include a blood thinner comparison of these two popular medications. We’ll go over the basics of each type so you can make an informed decision for your health. 

Is It Better to Have Thin Blood or Thicker Blood?

The right balance matters, neither too thin nor too thick. Thin blood allows circulation to flow freely and prevents dangerous blockages that can lead to heart attacks or strokes. However, if it’s too thin, the body can struggle to stop bleeding after an injury.

On the other hand, thicker blood increases the risk of clots forming in veins and arteries, which can cause severe complications. Medications like Eliquis and Brilinta help maintain an ideal middle ground.

When taking medications such as Eliquis, a blood thinner, or Brilinta, your doctor will monitor dosage and lab results to ensure your blood’s clotting ability remains safe and stable. It’s important to follow medical advice closely, as even small changes in medication can affect how your blood responds.

What Triggers a Blood Clot to Begin Forming?

A blood clot forms when the body detects damage to a blood vessel. Platelets rush to the site and clump together, while clotting proteins form a mesh to seal the wound. Sometimes, though, clots form unnecessarily inside healthy vessels due to factors like:

• Poor circulation
• Inflammation
• Plaque buildup

Conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) occur when clots block blood flow.

Brilinta and Eliquis medication interrupt this process to prevent harmful clots. Eliquis is used for DVT, PE, and stroke prevention. It works by blocking Factor Xa, a key protein in the clotting chain.

Brilinta, meanwhile, prevents platelets from sticking together in the first place. Both treatments are crucial for patients at risk of serious cardiovascular events, especially after heart attacks or stent placements.

Understanding Brilinta

Brilinta is considered a blood thinner that functions by stopping a person’s platelets from activating. Your platelets are cells that clump together and form clots. By preventing the platelets from getting activated, Brilinta keeps your blood free of clots and thin. 

One of the main reasons Brilinta isn’t considered an anticoagulant is that anticoagulants focus on the proteins in your body that help your blood clot. As a result, anticoagulants increase how long it takes for blood to clot.  

What Is Brilinta Used For?

In addition to thinning blood, key uses of Brilinta include lowering the risk of certain health concerns. Your doctor will let you know which blood thinner options they believe are best suited to your needs. 

Blood Clots

Brilinta is often prescribed to patients who have acute coronary syndrome (ACS). These patients often have stents placed in one or more of their heart’s blood vessels. 

Serious Cardiovascular Events

Other Brilinta uses include treating patients who have suffered major cardiovascular events. Examples of these types of health conditions may include:

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Heart attack

It’s also prescribed to those who’ve been diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) and who have a higher risk of a stroke or heart attack. 

Side Effects

Brilinta side effects are mild to serious. The side effects some patients might experience are:

• More frequent bruising 
• Shortness of breath 
• Major bleeding 
• Major allergic reaction

There are several instances when a patient shouldn’t use Brilinta. This can include:

• Allergy to the active ingredient ticagrelor
• Previous brain bleeding
• You’re currently bleeding 

Understanding Eliquis 

Eliquis is prescribed by medical professionals to treat certain blood clots. Unlike Brilinta, Eliquis is considered an anticoagulant. The drug functions by making it more challenging for your blood to form clots. 

What Is Eliquis Used For?

Eliquis is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat various health conditions. This medication is recommended for adult use. 

PE and DVT Prevention 

Eliquis is an ideal option for preventing a DVT or PE from occurring again. It’s usually prescribed to patients who’ve already received their initial treatments for these conditions. 

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVTs are clots that form in veins deep in your body. These types of clots typically form in your legs. However, they can often form in your arms. 

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

PEs are blood clots that block the flow of blood to your lungs. A PE typically occurs when a DVT is dislodged and travels along your veins to your lungs. 

Side Effects 

One of the main side effects of Eliquis is that patients experience an increased amount of bleeding. That’s because the medication prevents the blood from clotting. Serious side effects of using Eliquis are:

• Bleeding from your anus or vagina 
• Blood in your feces or urine
• Anemia 

Your doctor will let you know if there’s anything about you that makes Eliquis dangerous for you to take. You shouldn’t take this medication if you experience any of the following:

• Allergy to the active ingredient apixaban
• Artificial heart valves
• Under 18 years old
• Bleed excessively 

Brilinta vs Eliquis: Which Is Better for Me?

It’s important to explore various options when considering starting a new medication. Brilinta vs Eliquis may be a few of the medications you’re considering. 

Mechanisms of Action

Eliquis and Brilinta reduce the risk of various health problems. A few of the health problems these medications can assist with are:

• Blood clots
• Heart attack 
• Stroke

However, as we talked about before, the two medications accomplish that in different ways. Eliquis stops your blood from clotting together. Brilinta makes it challenging for your platelets to stick together. 

Side Effects 

The Brilinta vs Eliquis side effects vary from drug to drug. The most common side effects of Eliquis include:

• Easy bruising
• Bleeding
• Headaches
• Dizziness

The side effects of Brilinta are a bit different. These can include:

• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Indigestion 

Methods of Use

The frequency at which to take these medications is also different.

The effects of Brilinta can take a few weeks to take effect. On the flip side, patients can start to feel the effects of Eliquis in a few days. 

Patients taking Brilinta might have their dosage slowly increased. Those prescribed Eliquis might have the same dosage the entire time they take the medication. 

Those taking Brilinta will need to have their blood tested regularly. That’s because the medication can interact with other medications that the patient is taking. Eliquis doesn’t have this same requirement. 

Dosage Amounts

One of the main differences between Eliquis and Brilinta is their dosage. We recommend taking Brilinta twice a day. The dosage amount gets adjusted according to the patient’s body weight. 

Eliquis’s prescription comes in 2.5 mg or 5 mg doses. Take this medication once a day with food. It’s recommended to take Eliquis at the same time each day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Brilinta and Eliquis Together?

Taking Brilinta and Eliquis together is not recommended because it can increase your risk of serious bleeding. Both medications affect how blood clots, but in different ways. Brilinta targets platelets, while Eliquis works on clotting proteins.

When used at the same time, they can make it difficult for your body to stop bleeding, even from minor cuts or internal injuries. Always follow your doctor’s instructions before taking any new medication alongside your blood thinner. Never mix prescriptions without medical guidance.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Brilinta or Eliquis?

If you miss a Brilinta or Eliquis dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not double your dose to make up for a missed tablet.

Missing doses may reduce your protection against blood clots, especially if you have a history of heart disease, DVT, or atrial fibrillation. If you find yourself missing doses often, set reminders or use a pill organizer to stay consistent. Speak to your doctor if you miss multiple doses, as they may need to adjust your treatment plan or re-evaluate your medication schedule.

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As you can see, there are many things to consider when evaluating Brilinta vs Eliquis. The medication you end up taking depends on your unique health situation. Your medical provider will recommend which medication they believe is best suited to your needs. 

Whether you need help learning about Eliquis benefits or purchasing affordable medication, Canadian Pharmacy Online is here to assist. Our customers in the United States can take advantage of our low prices, saving up to 90% on prescription drug costs.

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