When considering any medications, including medications like Brilinta, you might be looking to explore other options. Brilinta vs Eliquis may be one of those medications you’re comparing.
As providers of over 1500 medications from over 180 manufacturers through our medication access service, we are well-placed to provide an overview of Brilinta vs Eliquis.
We’ll begin with a quick answer on Brilinta vs Eliquis, then we’ll dive further into the details…
In short, Brilinta and Eliquis are both prescribed to help prevent strokes and other cardiovascular events. Brilinta is a platelet inhibitor, while Eliquis is an anticoagulant. Brilinta works by stopping certain enzymes from forming, while Eliquis works by slowing down the production of certain clotting factors.
With that quick answer in place, let’s now confirm we understand – independently – what Brilinta is, and what Eliquis is. Then we’ll make the comparisons.
What is Brilinta?
Brilinta (generic name ticagrelor) is an antiplatelet medication that helps keep blood from clotting. It works by preventing platelets in the blood from sticking together and forming clots that could block blood vessels.
Brilinta is typically used to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with certain types of chest pain, but it may be used for other conditions as determined by a doctor.
Regarding doses, Brilinta is normally given as one tablet twice per day, with doses adjusted according to the individual’s body weight.
With Brilinta, it is important to note that it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for the full effects of the medication to be felt.
What is Eliquis?
Eliquis (generic name apixaban) is also an anti-platelet medication used to reduce the risk of stroke and life-threatening blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. Eliquis is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
The important thing to remember when considering Brilinta vs Eliquis is that there are differences between the two medications, and it is important to discuss with your doctor which medication may be more suitable for you.
Be sure to never take either drug without talking to a medical professional first as they can help determine which one would be best for you …based on your particular situation.
Additionally, make sure you always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the medication before starting any new treatment.
For more information, read our full article on everything you need to know about Eliquis. You might also be interested in looking at our article on Eliquis vs Xarelto
Now that we’ve outlined the main definitions of each medication, let’s delve into the main differences between the two.
What’s the difference between Brilinta vs Eliquis?
The biggest difference between Brilinta vs Eliquis is that Brilinta can be used to reduce blockages in arteries, while Eliquis cannot. This is because Brilinta works by blocking certain enzymes from forming, while Eliquis works by slowing down the production of certain clotting factors.
Brilinta is a type of drug called a P2Y12 inhibitor which stops platelets from sticking together while Eliquis belongs to a class of drugs known as Factor Xa inhibitors.
This means that each drug works by targeting different parts of the blood clotting process to prevent clots from forming.
Let’s provide a quick overview of what a P2Y12 inhibitor is…
What is a P2Y12 inhibitor?
A P2Y12 inhibitor is an antiplatelet drug that interferes with the activity of a receptor known as P2Y12. This type of drug helps stop platelets from sticking together and forming clots, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
What is a Factor Xa inhibitor?
Factor Xa inhibitors are a type of anticoagulant drug that works by targeting factor Xa, an enzyme involved in the clotting process.
By blocking this enzyme, the drug prevents blood clots from forming.
Different mechanisms of action
While Brilinta and Eliquis both work to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, they do so through different mechanisms.
This ties into what we outlined above. The mechanism is simply that Brilinta works to prevent platelets from sticking together while Eliquis works to prevent factor Xa from forming clots.
Different methods of use
Another difference between the two medications is how they are taken.
We’ll outline more about dosage shortly. But in short, Brilinta is usually prescribed to be taken twice daily. Eliquis, on the other hand, only needs to be taken once daily.
Additionally, it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for the full effects of Brilinta to be felt. While the effects of Eliquis can be seen within a few days.
Also, Brilinta patients may need to have their dose increased over time. But, with Eliquis, they may take the same dose for as long as is recommended by their doctor.
Brilinta can also lower platelet levels more quickly than Eliquis. But in turn, a person taking Brilinta may need to have their blood monitored more regularly.
Brilinta requires regular monitoring of blood tests because it can interact with other medications and cause unwanted side effects. Eliquis does not require regular monitoring of blood tests.
On the point of side effects, these drugs vary slightly in their potential side effects, so let’s look into that next.
Different side effects
The main side effects associated with these medications vary.
Commonly reported side effects with Brilinta include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Indigestion.
With Eliquis, common side effects include:
- Bleeding (including nose bleeding)
- Easy bruising
- Dizziness
- Headaches.
Dosage differences
The final difference between Brilinta and Eliquis is their doses.
Brilinta is usually prescribed as one tablet twice a day. Doses can then be adjusted according to the person’s body weight.
On the other hand, Eliquis is usually prescribed as either 2.5 mg or 5 mg taken once daily with food. Furthermore, it should always (ideally) be taken at the same time each day.
Brilinta vs Eliquis – Which one is right for me?
That’s a difficult question to answer and one that needs to be discussed with your doctor.
Both medications have been known to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, but the differences in their mechanisms of action should be taken into account when deciding which one is right for you.
You should also consider other factors such as dosing schedules and side effects before coming to an informed decision.
It’s important to remember that the best choice will depend on individual circumstances. So make sure to talk it through with your healthcare provider first.
Remember, only your healthcare provider can determine which one is right for you in any given circumstance. In some cases, a combination of therapies may be used to achieve optimal results.
By understanding all aspects related to Brilinta vs Eliquis – including benefits, risks, and other factors – you can make an informed decision when it comes to taking either drug.
Brilinta vs Eliquis – Summary and next steps
In conclusion, both medications are effective in preventing heart attacks and strokes, however, they work through different mechanisms and have different methods of usage.
It is important to talk to your doctor about which medication is best for you based on your particular situation.
Next steps
Once you have consulted with your doctor and obtained the most appropriate prescription, then enroll with us here at Prescription Hope. We can help you get access to brand-name medications at an affordable price.
We work with over 180 different U.S.-based pharmaceutical companies and are committed to providing people in need with the medications they need.
Using our quick and easy enrollment process may mean you’re eligible to obtain your medications for just $60.00 per medication per month via our medication access service.
Enroll here and start saving on your medication costs!
