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.
