Aggrenox Vs. Plavix
Aggrenox (aspirin-dipyridamole) is an anti-platelet drug that is used to prevent ischemic stroke (a clot in the brain cutting off blood supply). Plavix (clopidogrel) is a medication that is also used for ischemic stroke prevention, but is also indicated for the treatment of myocardial infarctions and acute coronary syndrome. Both drugs keep the platelets in the blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent blood clots from occurring with specific heart or blood vessel conditions.
Other People Are Reading
-
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings
-
As of 2009, Aggrenox has not had any FDA issued drug alerts since its approval in 2001.
Since Plavix's FDA approval in November 1997, there have been two major FDA Drug Alerts. In April 2005, the FDA issued a warning for the risk of developing a rare blood disease called TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) which essentially causes tiny blood clots to develop throughout the body. Ironically, the development of that condition, the clotting, is what the drug is supposed to prevent. In August 2006 the FDA issued yet another alert reiterating the potential for developing TTP.
Plavix Side Effects
-
According to WebMD, the following side effects have been reported with Plavix: nosebleed or other bleeding that will not stop; black, bloody, or tarry stools; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance; or pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, fever, and urinating more or less than usual. Less serious Plavix side effects may include: stomach pain; runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat; or mild headache or dizziness.
-
Aggrenox Side Effects
-
Headache has been the single most frequently reported adverse effect with Aggrenox. Other side effects include pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, diarrhea, stroke, rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids and GI bleeding.
Dosing Differences
-
Aggrenox is supplied with 200mg of dipyridamole and 25mg of aspirin in each capsule. Dosing is typically one capsule by mouth, twice daily, one in the morning and one in evening.
Plavix is available in both 75mg and 300mg tablets, and is typically taken once daily. Plavix requires a "loading dose" of 300mg the first day, then 75mg a day for the duration of treatment, according to Drug Info OneSource.
Warnings
-
Since both of these medications are anticoagulants, the risks of excessive bleeding are increased. They are designed to thin the blood and prevent clots. Aspirin, a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer, has the same effect and is an active ingredient in Aggrenox. Thus patients are warned against using any additional aspirin-containing products. Always check with your pharmacists regarding any potential drug interactions.
-
