What are some new-generation blood thinners?

As of 2012, new-generation blood thinners include Pradaxa, Xarelto and Eliquis, according to WebMD. These new blood thinners provide an alternative to Coumadin, which is also known as warfarin.

According to researchers, new-generation blood thinners may be safer than Coumadin and are easier to take, reports WebMD. However, patients taking new-generation blood thinners are still at risk for life-threatening bleeding.

Blood thinners help to prevent blood clots and reduce risk for stroke and heart attack, explains the Texas Heart Institute. Pradaxa was approved by the FDA in 2010, Xarelto was approved by the FDA in 2011, and Eliquis was approved by the FDA in 2012, notes WebMD.