Xarelto vs Brilinta
A side-by-side look at two cardiovascular medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Xarelto | US Brilinta | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | rivaroxaban | ticagrelor |
| Drug class | Factor Xa Inhibitor | P2Y12 Platelet Inhibitor (Antiplatelet) |
| Treats | Blood clots, atrial fibrillation | Acute coronary syndrome, heart attack prevention |
| Category | Cardiovascular | Cardiovascular |
| Manufacturer | Janssen/Bayer | AstraZeneca |
| Year approved | 2011 | 2011 |
| FDA warning | Black box warning | Black box warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $210M | $120M |
| Common side effects | Serious bleeding risk, Bruising, Prolonged bleeding, Spinal/epidural blood clots | Bleeding, Shortness of breath, Bruising, Headache |
Frequently asked questions
Is Xarelto or Brilinta better?
Neither is universally "better." Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and Brilinta (ticagrelor) 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 Xarelto and Brilinta?
Xarelto is a Factor Xa Inhibitor made by Janssen/Bayer, while Brilinta is a P2Y12 Platelet Inhibitor (Antiplatelet) made by AstraZeneca. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Xarelto has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.