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Compare Aspirin vs. Warfarin

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

Key takeaways

Warfarin (Coumadin) and aspirin are both used to manage blood-related conditions, but they work differently and have distinct uses. Aspirin is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation, pain, and fever. At low doses (81 mg), it acts as a blood thinner to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Warfarin, on the other hand, is a prescription-only blood thinner that prevents and treats blood clots by blocking vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting. While aspirin can be used in people 12 years and older, warfarin is specifically used in adults to prevent blood clots for conditions like deep vein thrombosis and atrial fibrillation. Aspirin is available in various forms, including chewable tablets and suppositories, whereas warfarin is only available in tablet form. Warfarin also requires regular blood tests and has a higher risk of severe bleeding than aspirin.

  • Aspirin
    Warfarin (Coumadin)
  • Aspirin
    Warfarin (Coumadin)

  • Summary of Aspirin vs. Warfarin

    Summary for NSAID

    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.

    Summary for Vitamin K antagonist
    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 of Aspirin vs. Warfarin

    Indications for
    •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
    Indications for
    •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 of Aspirin vs. Warfarin

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    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
    Pros and Const for Vitamin K antagonist
    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 of Aspirin vs. Warfarin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach irritation (e.g., heartburn, stomach upset)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding
    •Bruising

  • Warnings of Aspirin vs. Warfarin

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •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. Warfarin

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