Xarelto vs Lipitor
A side-by-side look at two cardiovascular medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Xarelto | US Lipitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | rivaroxaban | atorvastatin |
| Drug class | Factor Xa Inhibitor | Statin |
| Treats | Blood clots, atrial fibrillation | High cholesterol, cardiovascular prevention |
| Category | Cardiovascular | Cardiovascular |
| Manufacturer | Janssen/Bayer | Pfizer |
| Year approved | 2011 | 1996 |
| FDA warning | Black box warning | No boxed warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $210M | $60M |
| Common side effects | Serious bleeding risk, Bruising, Prolonged bleeding, Spinal/epidural blood clots | Muscle pain or weakness, Liver problems, Increased blood sugar, Memory problems |
Frequently asked questions
Is Xarelto or Lipitor better?
Neither is universally "better." Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and Lipitor (atorvastatin) 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 Lipitor?
Xarelto is a Factor Xa Inhibitor made by Janssen/Bayer, while Lipitor is a Statin made by Pfizer. 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.