Eliquis vs Xarelto: Which Blood Thinner Is Better for You?

If you’ve been prescribed a blood thinner, chances are your doctor has mentioned either Eliquis (apixaban) or Xarelto (rivaroxaban). These two medications are among the most widely used direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)—and they’re both proven to prevent stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE).

But which one is better? Is one safer or more effective? And what about cost—can you save by ordering from Canada?

In this guide, we’ll compare Eliquis and Xarelto side by side, and help you decide which option might suit your needs best. We’ll also show you how to access more affordable pricing through a Canadian prescription referral service like Over the Border Meds.

What Are Eliquis and Xarelto Used For?

Both medications are factor Xa inhibitors, meaning they work by blocking a clotting protein in your blood. This helps prevent dangerous clots from forming and reduces your risk of stroke or embolism.

Approved Uses (U.S. & Canada):

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem
DVT or PE treatment
DVT/PE prevention after surgery (e.g., hip or knee replacement)

They’re both effective alternatives to warfarin, but don’t require routine blood monitoring or strict dietary restrictions.

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Effectiveness: Is One Better Than the Other?

Studies suggest that Eliquis and Xarelto are equally effective for preventing blood clots. However, differences do exist in safety profiles and bleeding risk.

Eliquis has shown a lower risk of major bleeding, especially gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, compared to Xarelto.
Xarelto is still highly effective but may carry a slightly higher bleeding risk in some patients.

A 2019 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that Eliquis had better safety outcomes overall for AFib patients—especially older adults or those with kidney concerns.

Bottom line: Both are effective, but Eliquis may offer a safer option for high-risk patients.

Dosing Differences

Medication	Standard Dosing (AFib)	Frequency	Food Requirements
Eliquis	5 mg twice daily	Twice daily	No
Xarelto	20 mg once daily	Once daily	Take with food

Eliquis is taken twice daily, while Xarelto is a once-daily medication. Some patients prefer the simplicity of once-daily dosing, but others find it easier to stick to twice-daily when meals or routines are irregular.

Additionally, Xarelto must be taken with food for proper absorption, especially at the higher 20 mg dose. Missing this can reduce its effectiveness.

Side Effects and Bleeding Risk

All blood thinners increase the risk of bleeding. However, not all DOACs carry the same profile.

Side Effect	Eliquis	Xarelto
Major bleeding	Lower risk	Slightly higher risk
GI bleeding	Lower	Higher
Intracranial bleeding	Similar	Similar
Bruising, minor bleeds	Common	Common

If you have a history of GI ulcers, kidney disease, or are older than 75, many doctors lean toward Eliquis due to its favorable safety profile.

Eliquis vs Xarelto Cost: U.S. vs Canada

Both medications are expensive in the United States, often exceeding $500 USD for 30 tablets. However, Canada offers much lower prices, especially when ordered through a prescription referral service like Over the Border Meds.

Medication	U.S. Price	Canada Price (via Over the Border Meds)
Eliquis 5 mg	~$550 USD	~$151 USD (brand) / ~$72 USD (generic)
Xarelto 20 mg	~$540 USD	~$365 USD (brand) / ~$115 USD (generic)

That’s a savings of over $400 per month, which adds up to thousands annually. Generic versions of both apixaban and rivaroxaban are now available in Canada, making them even more accessible for American patients.

📌 Bonus: Use promo code Hello10 at Over the Border Meds for 10% off your first order.

How to Order from Canada

Ordering Eliquis or Xarelto from Canada is simple and safe through a licensed prescription referral service.

Step-by-Step:

1. Visit Over the Border Meds

2. Search for Eliquis or Xarelto

3. Upload your valid U.S. prescription

4. Choose brand or generic and strength

5. Place your order and receive delivery to your home in the U.S.

Your prescription is filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies, and our team ensures proper handling and customer service throughout the process.

Which One Should You Choose?

While your doctor will make the final call, here’s a quick summary:

Choose Eliquis if you:

Want a medication with a lower bleeding risk
Prefer no food restrictions
Are older or have kidney or GI concerns

Choose Xarelto if you:

Prefer once-daily dosing
Have a routine meal schedule
Are comfortable taking it with food

If you’re unsure, talk to your prescriber about which is best for your specific medical history. You can also ask if you’re a candidate for switching, especially if cost is a concern.

Final Thoughts

Eliquis and Xarelto are both effective and widely used anticoagulants, but understanding their differences can help you and your provider make a more personalized decision. While Xarelto may offer once-daily simplicity, Eliquis generally has the edge on bleeding safety—making it a strong choice for many high-risk patients.

Whichever medication you choose, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your health because of cost. Ordering from Canada through Over the Border Meds is a safe, affordable way for Americans to access these critical medications.

👉 Visit Over the Border Meds today to explore pricing, upload your prescription, and start saving.