Best treatments for pulmonary embolism
10 products may treat pulmonary embolism, spanning FDA drug classes such as direct thrombin inhibitor, low molecular weight heparin, factor xa inhibitor. The current highest-rated option is pradaxa. Ranked below by our independent recall-safety rating (rated where FDA data exists) — not medical advice; always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 10 drugs we list for pulmonary embolism, 5 are available as lower-cost generics, spanning classes such as direct thrombin inhibitor, low molecular weight heparin, factor xa inhibitor. They’re ranked by each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for pulmonary embolism — so confirm the right choice with your prescriber.
Top-rated picks for pulmonary embolism: 1. Pradaxa · 2. Activase · 3. Cathflo Activase
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Class | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Capsule | Direct Thrombin Inhibitor | Generic | $27 | View → | |
| 2 | 70/100 | Prescription | Kit | — | No data | — | View → | |
| 3 | 70/100 | Prescription | Injectable | — | No data | — | View → | |
| 4 | 70/100 | Prescription | Injectable | Low Molecular Weight Heparin | Generic | $8 | View → | |
| 5 | 70/100 | Prescription | Suspension | Factor Xa Inhibitor | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 6 | 68/100 | Prescription | Injectable | Anti-coagulant | Generic | $2 | View → | |
| 7 | 68/100 | Prescription | Injectable | Anti-coagulant | Generic | $2 | View → | |
| 8 | 64/100 | Prescription | Injectable | — | No data | — | View → | |
| 9 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Factor Xa Inhibitor | No data | — | View → | |
| 10 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | Factor Xa Inhibitor | No data | — | View → |
Narrow by drug class
Explore the class hubs: factor xa inhibitor · anti-coagulant
Full ranking · 10 treatments
pradaxa
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Pradaxa (Dabigatran Etexilate Mesylate) is a direct thrombin inhibitor used to treat Pulmonary Embolism, Venous Thrombosis.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$25.98/30· 3 formsactivase
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Activase (Alteplase) is a medication used to treat Arterial Occlusive Diseases, Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis, Myocardial Infarction, Pulmonary Embolism.
Price varies
cathflo activase
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Cathflo Activase (Alteplase) is a medication used to treat Arterial Occlusive Diseases, Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis, Myocardial Infarction, Pulmonary Embolism.
Price varies
lovenox
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Lovenox (Enoxaparin Sodium) is a low molecular weight heparin used to treat Unstable Angina, Myocardial Infarction, Postoperative Complications, Pulmonary Embolism.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$7.62· 8 formsxarelto
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) is a factor xa inhibitor used to treat Pulmonary Embolism, Venous Thrombosis.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.96· 2 formsheparin sodium 1,000 units in sodium chloride 0.9% in plastic container
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Heparin Sodium 1,000 Units in Sodium Chloride 0.9% in Plastic Container (Heparin Sodium) is an anti-coagulant used to treat Unstable Angina, Cerebral Infarction, Coronary Thrombosis, Myocardial Infarction.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$1.14· 4 forms- Heparin Sodium 2,000 Units in Sodium Chloride 0.9% in Plastic Container
- Fragmin
- Eliquis
- Eliquis Sprinkle
Frequently asked
- What treats pulmonary embolism?
- Our catalog lists 10 products that may treat pulmonary embolism, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is pradaxa.
- What is the best-rated treatment for pulmonary embolism?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — pradaxa ranks highest among the products we list for pulmonary embolism. Always consult a professional.
- How are these treatments ranked?
- By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.
- What types of drugs treat pulmonary embolism?
- Treatments for pulmonary embolism span FDA drug classes including direct thrombin inhibitor, low molecular weight heparin, factor xa inhibitor, anti-coagulant, unfractionated heparin. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.
Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.