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Dabigatran vs. Aspirin

Dabigatran etexilate mesylate, also known by its brand name, Pradaxa, is a type of anticoagulant blood thinner that treats and prevents certain types of blood clots in people ages 8 years and older. It's also used to lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The dosing can differ based on why you need the medication, but it's typically taken by mouth twice a day. Side effects include stomach upset and bleeding. For people who experience serious bleeding with this medication, there's an antidote medication called Praxbind (idarucizumab) that reverses its effects.

Adults:

• Lowering the risk of stroke or blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) that isn't caused by a heart valve problem
• Treating blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) or lungs (pulmonary embolism (PE)) - only after receiving an injectable blood thinner for 5-10 days
• Lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) in people with a history of blood clots
• Preventing blood clots in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) after hip replacement surgery

Children 8 years and older:

• Treating blood clots - only after receiving an injectable blood thinner
• Lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again in children with a history of blood clots

• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Bleeding

• Higher risk of blood clots from stopping too early
• Possible risk of paralysis (only in certain spinal procedures)
• Risk of bleeding
• Interactions with other medications
• Not for use in people with mechanical heart valves
• Not for use in people with antiphospholipid syndrome

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