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Brilinta vs. Aspirin

Brilinta (ticagrelor) is an antiplatelet blood thinner used to lower the risk of heart-related death, heart attack, or stroke in people with certain heart conditions. It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth twice per day. It's a brand-name medication only, so a generic version isn't available. Side effects include shortness of breath, bleeding, and nausea.

• Lowering the risk of heart-related death, heart attack, and stroke in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or who've had a previous heart attack
• Lowering the risk of a first-time heart attack or stroke in high-risk people with coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Lowering the risk of stroke in people who've had a previous stroke or a high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA) (also called "mini stroke")

• Shortness of breath (14%)
• Bleeding (12%)
• Dizziness (5%)
• Nausea (4%)

• Bleeding
• Risk of heart attack if stopped suddenly or too early
• Shortness of breath
• Slow heart rate
• Sleep apnea

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.

• 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

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

• 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