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Aspirin vs. Coumadin

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

Key takeaways

Aspirin (Bayer Aspirin) and Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) are both medications that can help prevent blood clots, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is available over-the-counter and is often used for pain relief, fever reduction, and heart protection in certain adults at risk of heart attacks or strokes. Warfarin, on the other hand, is a prescription-only vitamin K antagonist that is specifically used to prevent and treat blood clots in conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Aspirin is typically taken in doses ranging from 81 mg to 650 mg, while warfarin doses are adjusted based on your INR levels, usually ranging from 2 mg to 10 mg daily. Aspirin can cause stomach irritation and bleeding, especially if taken with other NSAIDs, while warfarin requires regular blood tests to monitor INR levels and can interact with many foods and medications. Warfarin has an antidote available in case of severe bleeding.

Aspirin

 

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Warfarin

(Coumadin)

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Summary for Aspirin

Over-the-counter

Aspirin is an over-the-counter NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that helps lessens inflammation. It's used to help lower fevers and relieve pain from minor injuries in people 12 years of age and older. A lower dose of aspirin is also commonly used for heart protection in certain adults who are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This medication most often comes as pills that are taken by mouth. Aspirin side effects include heartburn and stomach upset.

Indications for Aspirin

  • Pain relief from minor aches and pains, such as from headaches, muscle pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, and arthritis
  • Fever
  • Heart protection (lower the risk for heart attack or stroke) in certain adults - low-dose aspirin (81 mg per day) only

Pros and Cons for Aspirin

Pros

  • Doesn't raise risk for heart attacks like other NSAIDs
  • Can help protect the heart in certain adults with or at risk for heart disease when taken at low doses (81 mg per day)
  • Available as a chewable tablet for people who have trouble swallowing pills
  • Available over the counter in a lower-cost, generic form

Cons

  • Has risk for stomach ulcers and bleeding
  • Might worsen asthma symptoms
  • Not recommended for relieving pain or breaking fevers for children 18 years or younger with the flu because of risk of Reye's syndrome
  • Can't be used in children 12 years or younger

Common Side Effects for Aspirin

  • Stomach irritation (e.g., heartburn, stomach upset)

Warnings for Aspirin

  • Stomach irritation, stomach bleeding, and stomach ulcers
  • Kidney problems
  • Reye's syndrome in children
  • Harm to an unborn baby
  • Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
  • Different aspirin strengths available

Summary for Coumadin

Prescription only

Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood thinner (anticoagulant). It's used to prevent and treat blood clots in adults and children with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Warfarin (Coumadin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Your provider will adjust the dose based on your international normalized ratio (INR). Taking too much warfarin (Coumadin) can lead to side effects like bruising and serious bleeding. If needed, your provider can give you an antidote to reverse the effects of warfarin (Coumadin).

Indications for Coumadin

  • Prevention and treatment blood clots in the veins
  • Prevention and treatment blood clots linked to atrial fibrillation (AFib) or heart valve replacement
  • Prevention of more blood clots and to lower risk of death after a heart attack

Pros and Cons for Coumadin

Pros

  • Each strength of tablet is a unique color, making it easy to tell them apart
  • Only needs to be taken once a day
  • Has an antidote available in case of an emergency
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Only prevents new blood clots from forming or getting bigger; it doesn't work on existing blood clots
  • Requires regular blood draws to check INR levels
  • Interacts with foods and many commonly-prescribed medications
  • Not safe to take during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Coumadin

  • Bleeding
  • Bruising

Warnings for Coumadin

  • Severe or life-threatening bleeding
  • Risk of blood clots from stopping too early
  • Risk of fat-containing clots
  • Calcium build-up in blood vessels (calciphylaxis)
  • Skin or tissue death and risk of gangrene
  • Not for use during pregnancy

Prices with our coupons for Aspirin vs. Coumadin

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Aspirin30 tablets / 81mg
$9.17-
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Warfarin30 tablets / 5mg
$4.00$4.00
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