Eliquis vs Xarelto
A side-by-side look at two cardiovascular medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Eliquis | US Xarelto | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | apixaban | rivaroxaban |
| Drug class | Factor Xa Inhibitor | Factor Xa Inhibitor |
| Treats | Blood clots, atrial fibrillation | Blood clots, atrial fibrillation |
| Category | Cardiovascular | Cardiovascular |
| Manufacturer | Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer | Janssen/Bayer |
| Year approved | 2012 | 2011 |
| FDA warning | Black box warning | Black box warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $350M | $210M |
| Common side effects | Serious bleeding risk, Bruising easily, Prolonged bleeding from cuts, Blood in urine or stool | Serious bleeding risk, Bruising, Prolonged bleeding, Spinal/epidural blood clots |
Frequently asked questions
Is Eliquis or Xarelto better?
Neither is universally "better." Eliquis (apixaban) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are both used for cardiovascular, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Eliquis and Xarelto?
Eliquis is a Factor Xa Inhibitor made by Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer, while Xarelto is a Factor Xa Inhibitor made by Janssen/Bayer. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Eliquis has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.