Warfarin (brand name: Jantoven) | Dabigatran (brand name: Pradaxa) | Apixaban (brand name: Eliquis) Edoxaban (brand names: Savaysa, Lixiana) Rivaroxaban (brand name: Xarelto) | |
What is it used for? | Deep vein thrombosis ("DVT"), pulmonary embolism ("PE"), atrial fibrillation ("A-fib"), mechanical heart valve, antiphospholipid syndrome. | DVT, PE, A-fib. | DVT, PE, A-fib. |
How often do I need to take it? | Once a day. | Once or twice a day, depending on the reason for taking it. | Apixaban – Once or twice a day, depending on the reason for taking it. Edoxaban – Once a day. Rivaroxaban – Once a day (some people may need to take it twice a day for the first 3 weeks). |
Do I need regular blood tests? | Yes. | No. | No. |
Will the dose need to be adjusted? | Maybe, depending on the results of your blood tests. | No, once you are on a stable dose, you do not need to adjust the dose. | No, once you are on a stable dose, you do not need to adjust the dose. |
Could it cause serious bleeding? | Yes. | Yes, but the risk might be less than with warfarin in many cases. | Yes, but the risk might be less than with warfarin in many cases. |
Is there a medicine to reverse the effects if I have serious bleeding? | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
Do I need to be careful about my diet while taking it? | Yes, you need to be careful to eat about the same amount of vitamin K every day. | No. | No, but:
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What if I have kidney or liver disease? | OK to take. | Might need to avoid if you have severe kidney disease. | Some people might need to avoid. |
What if I take other medicines? | Many medicines can affect the dose of warfarin needed. Avoid aspirin and "NSAID" medicines. Most people can use acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain or fever. | A few medicines can affect the dose of the anticoagulant. Avoid aspirin and "NSAID" medicines. Most people can use acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain or fever. | A few medicines can affect the dose of the anticoagulant. Avoid aspirin and "NSAID" medicines. Most people can use acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain or fever. |
Can I drink alcohol while taking it? | How much alcohol you drink in a day can affect your warfarin dose. Limit alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks per day. Do not binge drink (have many drinks at once). | Moderate alcohol use is OK. Avoid heavy drinking, as this can increase the chance of serious bleeding. | Moderate alcohol use is OK. Avoid heavy drinking, as this can increase the chance of serious bleeding. |
What if I am pregnant? | Most people are switched to a different medicine that comes as a shot. | Most people are switched to a different medicine that comes as a shot. | Most people are switched to a different medicine that comes as a shot. |
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