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Compare Aggrenox vs. Xarelto

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Aggrenox (aspirin/dipyridamole) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are both medications used to prevent blood clots, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Aggrenox is a combination of two antiplatelet medications, aspirin and dipyridamole, and is primarily used to lower the risk of stroke in people who have had an ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It’s taken twice a day and can cause side effects like headaches and stomach issues. Xarelto, on the other hand, is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that works by blocking factor Xa, a protein involved in blood clotting. It’s used to treat and prevent various types of blood clots, including those in the legs (DVT) and lungs (PE), and to lower the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation. Xarelto is taken once or twice a day depending on the condition being treated and can cause serious bleeding. Unlike Aggrenox, Xarelto does not have a generic version available. Both medications require a prescription and have specific guidelines for use to minimize risks and side effects.

  • Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole)
    Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
  • Aggrenox (aspirin / dipyridamole)
    Xarelto (rivaroxaban)

  • Summary of Aggrenox vs. Xarelto

    Summary for Antiplatelet
    Prescription only

    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").

    Summary for Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)
    Prescription only

    Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a prescription blood thinner used to prevent and treat blood clots. It can lower the risk of serious problems like stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE). It's comes as a tablet or liquid and is taken by mouth. Your dose depends on why you're taking it, so it could be once or twice a day. The most common side effect is bleeding, which can sometimes be serious or life-threatening. Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is available as both a brand-name and a generic medication.

  • Indications of Aggrenox vs. Xarelto

    Indications 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")
    Indications for

    Adults:

    •Lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem
    •Treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) or lungs (pulmonary embolism (PE))
    •Lower the risk of DVT or PE coming back after treatment
    •Prevent DVT and PE after knee or hip replacement surgery
    •Prevent blood clots in people in the hospital or recently released who are at high risk
    •Lower the risk of serious heart problems, like heart attack or stroke, in people with coronary artery disease (CAD), taken with aspirin
    •Lower the risk of blood clots and related problems in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), taken with aspirin

    Children:

    •Treat blood clots and lower the risk of new clots in children from birth to under 18 years old
    •Prevent blood clots in children 2 years and older with congenital heart disease (CHD) after a Fontan procedure

  • Pros and Cons of Aggrenox vs. Xarelto

    Pros and Const for Antiplatelet
    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
    Pros and Const for Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)
    Pros
    •No regular blood monitoring required
    •Available as a tablet or liquid that's taken by mouth
    •Approved for both children and adults
    Cons
    •Most common side effect is bleeding
    •Not easily reversible in life-threatening bleeds
    •Can interact with many medications

  • Common Side Effects of Aggrenox vs. Xarelto

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (28%)
    •Indigestion (13%)
    •Stomach pain (13%)
    •Nausea (12%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Any bleeding (Up to 28%)

    Children

    •Any bleeding (36%)
    •Cough (16%)
    •Vomiting (14%)
    •Stomach virus (13%)
    •Rash (9%)

  • Warnings of Aggrenox vs. Xarelto

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding
    •Kidney or liver problems
    •Low blood pressure
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of blood clots if stopped too early
    •Paralysis in the spine
    •Bleeding
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Risk of pregnancy-related bleeding
    •Not recommended in people with prosthetic heart valves
    •Not recommended in people with antiphospholipid syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Aggrenox vs. Xarelto

    Learn more about Aggrenox
    Learn more about Xarelto

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