Brilinta vs. Clopidogrel for Heart Attack: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Ticagrelor

(Brilinta)

Clopidogrel

(Plavix)

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 Clopidogrel

Prescription only

Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a prescription antiplatelet medication that helps lower your risk of heart attack or stroke. It works by stopping platelets in your blood from sticking together and forming clots. You take it as a tablet by mouth once a day, and it might be used alone or with aspirin in some situations. Since it's a blood thinner, the most common side effect is bleeding.

Indications for Clopidogrel

Lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
Lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people who recently had one, or who have peripheral artery disease

Pros and Cons for Clopidogrel

Pros

Good choice for lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke
Tablet that's taken once a day by mouth
Can be taken with or without food

Cons

Can cause major bleeding or bruising
Has many interactions with other medications
Might not work as well for people with East Asian descent

Common Side Effects for Clopidogrel

Minor bleeding (5%)
Major bleeding (4%)

Warnings for Clopidogrel

Clopidogrel (Plavix) not working as well
Bleeding
Risk of heart attack or stroke if stopped suddenly
Blood clotting condition
Allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Brilinta vs. Clopidogrel

Ticagrelor60 tablets / 90mg

$30.77$330.21

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Clopidogrel30 tablets / 75mg

$11.70$17.09

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Brilinta vs. Clopidogrel

Ticagrelor

Clopidogrel

Summary for Brilinta

Indications for Brilinta

Pros and Cons for Brilinta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Brilinta

Warnings for Brilinta

Summary for Clopidogrel

Indications for Clopidogrel

Pros and Cons for Clopidogrel

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clopidogrel

Warnings for Clopidogrel

Prices with our coupons for Brilinta vs. Clopidogrel

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Ticagrelor

Clopidogrel

Summary for Brilinta

Indications for Brilinta

Pros and Cons for Brilinta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Brilinta

Warnings for Brilinta

Summary for Clopidogrel

Indications for Clopidogrel

Pros and Cons for Clopidogrel

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clopidogrel

Warnings for Clopidogrel