aspirin / dipyridamole ER
Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) is a combination of two antiplatelet medications. It's taken to lower the risk of having a stroke if you've had one before, whether it was an ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA, also called a "mini stroke").
What is Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole)?
What is Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) used for?
- Stroke prevention for people who've had an ischemic stroke (due to blood clots)
- Stroke prevention for people who've had a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or "mini stroke")
How Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) works
Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) contains two antiplatelet medications: aspirin and dipyridamole. They work by blocking your platelets from clumping up together and forming blood clots. This helps to lower your risk for clots that block blood and oxygen from getting to your brain. As a result, Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) can help to lower your risk for a stroke.
Drug facts
Side effects of Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (28%)
- Indigestion (13%)
- Stomach pain (13%)
- Nausea (12%)
- Diarrhea (9%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Bleeding
Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious bleeding: feeling faint or lightheaded, dizziness, vomiting blood, bloody or dark-colored stools, severe stomach pain
- Liver problems: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion
- Kidney problems: tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, urinating less than usual, foamy or bloody urine, muscle cramps
- Very low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, faint, tiredness, confusion
The following Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
- Chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms
- Hearing loss, ringing in ears
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Round red or dark patches on the skin that may itch, burn, and blister
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Upset stomach
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Pros and cons of Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole)
Pros
- A first-choice option for lowering the risk of having another stroke if you've had one before
- Works better than aspirin alone to prevent strokes
- More convenient to take two medications in a single capsule
- Can take with or without food
Cons
- Commonly causes headache and stomach side effects
- Need to take twice per day
- Can't use if you're allergic to aspirin or NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)
- Not well studied in pregnant or breastfeeding females, so it's not completely known how safe it is for unborn or breastfed babies
Pharmacist tips for Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole)
- Take Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) twice per day about 12 hours apart and at the same times each day. You can take the medication with or without food.
- Swallow the capsule whole. Don't crush, chew, or open the capsule because this can affect how much medication gets absorbed into your body. Contact your provider if you're having trouble swallowing the capsules.
- Headache is a common side effect of Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole). But it usually goes away after taking the medication consistently for some time. If you continue to have headaches or if they're very bothersome, contact your provider for recommendations on how to manage them.
- Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) can raise the risk of stomach bleeding. So tell your provider right away if you experience unexplained stomach pain, dark-colored stools, or blood in your vomit or stool.
- Make sure to tell your provider about all the medications you're taking. This is especially important if you're taking antiplatelets or anticoagulants because you're at higher risk of bleeding when you take these medications with Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole). Talk to your provider or pharmacist to make sure all your medications are safe to take with Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole).
- Don't take Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Doing so puts you at higher risk for stomach bleeds, stroke, and heart attack. NSAIDs are commonly found in over-the-counter pain and cold medications. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you're not sure whether you're already taking an NSAID.
- In addition to taking Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole), there are some lifestyle changes that you can do to help lower your risk for stroke even more. These recommendations include having a healthy and balanced diet and a regular exercise routine.
- Store Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) up and away from children so they're less likely to reach and accidentally take the medication. If you think your child accidentally took the medication, call a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or get medical help right away. Children with viral infections who take aspirin-containing medications might be at risk of a potentially serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
Common questions about Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole)
No, you should take Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) if it's prescribed to you. Aspirin is one of the antiplatelet medications used for stroke prevention, and Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) contains aspirin. But Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) contains two different antiplatelet medications (aspirin and dipyridamole) that work together to help prevent additional strokes from happening. For some people, it might be more beneficial to take Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) instead of aspirin alone. In fact, in clinical studies, people taking Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) had a 23% lower chance of having another stroke than those taking aspirin alone. Speak with your provider if you have questions about taking Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) to lower your risk of having another stroke.
You'll likely need to take medication to lower your risk of having another stroke, but it might not necessarily be Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole). Your provider will discuss with you whether Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) is right for you. Current treatment guidelines recommend Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) as one of the options for people who had an ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA, also called a "mini stroke"). Other options include aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix). When deciding a treatment plan for you, your provider might also consider other factors, like how much brain damage you had with your previous stroke or how much of a risk you have of having another stroke.
It's generally safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) with Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole). But if you have a history of liver problems, make sure to ask your provider how much acetaminophen (Tylenol) you can safely take. Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), with Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole), unless your provider told you it's safe for you to do so. Since Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) contains aspirin (a type of NSAID), taking this medication with other NSAIDs can raise your risk for severe side effects, such as heart risks, kidney problems, and severe bleeding. If you experience pain while taking Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole), talk to your provider about safe ways to relieve your pain.
No, you can take Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) with or without food. But this medication commonly causes stomach side effects, like indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. So taking it with food might help lower the risk of getting these side effects.
If you miss a dose of Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole), skip the missed dose. Then, take the next dose at the usual time. Don't take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
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Risks and warnings for Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole)
Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Bleeding
- Risk factors: Taking other blood thinners | Taking NSAIDs long term | History of stomach bleeding or ulcers | Drinking 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day
Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) raises your risk for bleeding. Additionally, this medication might make it take longer than usual for any bleeding to stop. You might also notice that you get bruises more easily or have more bleeding when you get a cut or nosebleed. Although rare, bleeding into other organs, such as those in the digestive tract, is also possible. To lower your risk for bleeding, tell your provider about all of your medications and medical conditions before starting Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole). Try to limit alcohol intake as much as possible. If you feel faint, lightheaded, or dizzy; vomit blood; have bloody or dark-colored stools; or feel severe stomach pain; stop taking Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) and get medical attention right away.
Kidney or liver problems
- Risk factors: History of kidney or liver problems
Though rare, Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) might cause kidney or liver problems that can sometimes be life-threatening. This might be more likely if you take higher than recommended doses of Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole). To be safe, let your provider know of your medical history before starting this medication. Avoid Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) if you already have severe kidney or liver damage. Get medical attention right away if you notice stomach bloating; stomach pain; yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools); dark, brown, foamy, or bloody urine; you're urinating less than usual, or muscle cramps. You might need to stop using the medication to prevent further kidney or liver damage.
Low blood pressure
- Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Taking other medications that can lower your blood pressure | History of low blood pressure
Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much. This can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. Your risk is higher if you're dehydrated or have medical conditions, such as diarrhea or vomiting, that cause you to become dehydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, or tired, sit down slowly while holding onto something to prevent falling, and let your provider know. If you feel confused or fall and hit your head, get medical help right away.
Allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Aspirin or NSAID allergy
Allergic reactions to Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis. Let your provider know if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before starting Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole), get medical attention right away.
Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) dosage
Bottle| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 capsules of 25mg/200mg | 3 bottles | $116.50 | $38.83 |
Typical dosage for Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole)
The typical dose is 1 capsule by mouth twice per day (once in the morning and once in the evening).
Each capsule of Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) contains 25 mg of aspirin and 200 mg of extended-release dipyridamole.
How much does Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) cost?
$116.50
Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to aspirin or another NSAID
- Asthma, nose inflammation, or nasal polyps
- Children younger than 18 years old with an active viral infection
What are alternatives to Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole)?
For people with a history of a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease:
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