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Brilinta vs. Plavix

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

Key takeaways

Heparin and Brilinta (ticagrelor) are both blood thinners but are part of different medication groups and used differently. Heparin is an injectable anticoagulant used to treat and prevent blood clots quickly, often in hospitals. It works fast but requires regular blood tests and can cause serious bleeding and low platelet counts. Brilinta, an oral antiplatelet medication, prevents heart attacks and strokes by stopping platelets from clumping. It is taken twice daily and is often used with low-dose aspirin. It can cause bleeding and shortness of breath. Make sure to tell your prescriber what medications you take before starting heparin or Brillinta, as they can interact with other medications and increase your risk of serious bleeding.

Brilinta

(ticagrelor)

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Clopidogrel

(Plavix)

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Summary for Brilinta

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Brilinta

Pros and Cons for Brilinta

Pros

  • Good choice for lowering the risk of heart-related death, heart attack, or stroke in people with certain heart-related problems
  • Can be taken with other blood thinners, if necessary
  • Can be taken with or without food
  • Tablets can be crushed and mixed with water for people who have trouble swallowing

Cons

  • Must be taken twice a day
  • Might have to be taken with a daily aspirin
  • Can cause serious bleeding
  • Not safe for people with severe liver problems

Common Side Effects for Brilinta

Warnings for Brilinta

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

Summary for Plavix

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 Plavix

Pros and Cons for Plavix

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 Plavix

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

Warnings for Plavix

  • 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. Plavix

Price Card Drug Icon
Ticagrelor60 tablets / 90mg
$27.37$439.79
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Price Card Drug Icon
Clopidogrel30 tablets / 75mg
$10.83$89.67
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