Brilinta vs. Aspirin for Heart Attack and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Ticagrelor

(Brilinta)

Aspirin

Summary for Brilinta

Prescription only

Ticagrelor (Brilinta) is a type of a blood thinner called an antiplatelet. It's used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with certain conditions, including a history of heart stents. It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth twice per day, often with low-dose aspirin. Common side effects include shortness of breath and bleeding.

Indications for Brilinta

Lower the risk of heart-related death, heart attack, and stroke in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or a previous heart attack
Lower the risk of a first heart attack or stroke in people with coronary artery disease (CAD) at high-risk
Lower the risk of stroke in people who are having a stroke or a high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called "mini stroke"

Pros and Cons for Brilinta

Pros

Helps prevent heart attacks and strokes
Doesn't require routine blood tests to monitor how well it works
Can be taken with or without food
Tablet can be crushed for people with trouble swallowing

Cons

Must be taken twice a day
Can cause serious bleeding
Not safe for people with severe liver problems
Interacts with several medications

Common Side Effects for Brilinta

Bleeding
Shortness of breath

Warnings for Brilinta

Bleeding
Higher risk of blood clots from stopping too early
Shortness of breath
Slow heart rate
Sleep apnea

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

Prices with our coupons for Brilinta vs. Aspirin

Ticagrelor60 tablets / 90mg

$24.99$278.28

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Aspirin90 tablets / 81mg

$8.71-

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Brilinta vs. Aspirin

Ticagrelor

Aspirin

Summary for Brilinta

Indications for Brilinta

Pros and Cons for Brilinta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Brilinta

Warnings for Brilinta

Summary for Aspirin

Indications for Aspirin

Pros and Cons for Aspirin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Aspirin

Warnings for Aspirin

Prices with our coupons for Brilinta vs. Aspirin

Compare other Heart Attack and Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Ticagrelor

Aspirin

Summary for Brilinta

Indications for Brilinta

Pros and Cons for Brilinta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Brilinta

Warnings for Brilinta

Summary for Aspirin

Indications for Aspirin

Pros and Cons for Aspirin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Aspirin

Warnings for Aspirin