Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the US for a century now, yet 51% of Americans aren’t aware of this. It kills far more than cancer does, but somehow, there’s barely a spotlight on cardiovascular issues.
One great way to fight against health problems is to get educated. A good starting point is by learning about medications used to treat heart disease, such as Brilinta and Eliquis.
Both medications are used to treat cardiovascular conditions. However, they differ in noteworthy ways. To find out more, read on to see Brilinta vs. Eliquis explained.
Type of Medication
Brilinta (Ticagrelor) is an antiplatelet medication, which means that it’ll make your platelets less sticky. As a result, it’ll prevent blood clots, especially in those who have acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including unstable angina or heart attack.
Eliquis (Apixaban) is an anticoagulant or blood thinner. It’s used to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in people who have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It also treats and prevents deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Both medications are typically taken orally. However, Brilinta has a standard dose of 90 mg twice daily, while the standard Eliquis dosage is 5 mg daily for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. In addition, the latter has a standard dose of 10 mg twice daily for a week, followed by 5 mg twice daily for the treatment and prevention of DVT and PE.
Mechanism of Action
Brilinta inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking the P2Y12 receptor on platelets. This then prevents clot formation.
Elliquis selectively inhibits factor Xa in the coagulation cascade. Like Brilinta, this also prevents clot formation.
Drug Interactions
Brilinta can interact with other medications, especially those affecting bleeding risk. For example, you shouldn’t take anticoagulants simultaneously, such as Eliquis.
Eliquis may interact with other medications, too. You should only take this anticoagulant, and you should do so as directed by your doctor.
Side Effects
Common Brilinta side effects include bleeding, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and dizziness. You may need platelet function testing in certain situations.
The side effects of Eliquis include bleeding, bruising, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Regular monitoring of renal function and coagulation parameters may be necessary.
Cost
The cost of Brilinta can be expensive without insurance or discounts, as it’s a brand-name medication. However, there may be manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs available for eligible patients. Eliquis is also a brand-name medication, so the same applies.
In general, the Brilinta vs. Eliquis cost is about the same.
Brilinta vs. Eliquis: See Which One’s Right for You
If you suspect that you have heart issues, then you might be personally invested in the discussion of Brilinta vs. Eliquis.
However, the best thing to do is to make an appointment with your doctor. Not only can they figure out what’s ailing you, but they can also prescribe the appropriate medication to treat your issues. And if they can’t find anything wrong, then all the better, as you’ll walk away with a clean bill of health.
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