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Compare Effient vs. Brilinta

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

Key takeaways

Prasugrel (Effient) and Brilinta (ticagrelor) are both blood thinners, but they have some key differences. Prasugrel is mainly used for people who have had a stent placed after a heart attack, while Brilinta can be used for a broader range of heart attack and stroke prevention, including those with coronary artery disease. Prasugrel is typically taken once a day, while Brilinta is taken twice a day. Both medications increase the risk of bleeding, but Brilinta can also cause trouble breathing while prasugrel can cause high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Additionally, prasugrel is not recommended for people over 75 years old or those with a history of stroke, while Brilinta should not be used by those with severe liver problems or a history of brain bleeds. Both medications are available as low-cost generic.

  • Prasugrel (Effient)
    Brilinta (ticagrelor)
  • Prasugrel (Effient)
    Brilinta (ticagrelor)

  • Summary of Effient vs. Brilinta

    Summary for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Prasugrel (also known by its brand name Effient) is a medication that's used as a blood thinner to prevent blood clots in people who have a stent placed in their heart after a heart attack. This medication is also available as a lower-cost generic tablet. The dose is taken once per day. Since prasugrel (Effient) is a blood thinner, an important warning to note is that the medication can make it easier for you to bleed or bruise. Other side effects can include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and headache.

    Summary for Antiplatelet
    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 of Effient vs. Brilinta

    Indications for
    •Prevention of blood clot problems in people who received a stent after a heart attack
    Indications for
    •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")

  • Pros and Cons of Effient vs. Brilinta

    Pros and Const for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well at preventing clots
    •Works better than clopidogrel (Plavix) to lower your risk of complications after a heart attack
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Has a higher risk of bleeding than clopidogrel (Plavix)
    •Only used for people who have a stent in their heart
    •Not recommended for people age 75 years and older because of the higher risk of bleeding
    •Shouldn't use for people with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack ((TIA or "mini-stroke")
    Pros and Const for Antiplatelet
    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 of Effient vs. Brilinta

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure (8%)
    •High cholesterol (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Bleeding of any kind (5%)
    •Back pain (5%)
    •Shortness of breath (5%)
    •Nausea (5%)
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Cough (4%)
    •Low blood pressure (4%)
    •Fatigue (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Shortness of breath (14%)
    •Bleeding (12%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Nausea (4%)

  • Warnings of Effient vs. Brilinta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack if stopped suddenly or too early
    •Blood-clotting problem called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack if stopped suddenly or too early
    •Shortness of breath
    •Slow heart rate
    •Sleep apnea

  • Prices with our coupons for Effient vs. Brilinta

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    Learn more about Brilinta

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