Eliquis (apixaban) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are two oral anticoagulants used in the treatment and prevention of blood clots. They are known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and are both factor Xa inhibitors.

Why switch from Eliquis to Xarelto?

Sometimes people will switch from one DOAC to another for a number of reasons including cost, side effects, your healthcare provider’s preference, or because, in the case of Xarelto, it is approved for a broader range of uses than Eliquis.

How do I switch from Eliquis to Xarelto?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions when switching from Eliquis to Xarelto. When switching from Eliquis to Xarelto you should stop taking Eliquis and then start taking Xarelto at the time your next dose of Eliquis is due. Do not take Eliquis and Xarelto at the same time.

This is the standard advice given when switching from one DOAC to another DOAC. If you are switching between other types of anticoagulants, such as a vitamin K antagonist like warfarin and a DOAC, then the process you need to follow will be different. Check with your doctor for advice.

Eliquis is taken twice a day and Xalrelto is usually taken once a day, but in some cases it also needs to be taken twice a day. Check with your healthcare provider about how frequently you need to take Xarelto after you have switched to it.