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Compare Plavix vs. Effient

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

Key takeaways

Clopidogrel (Plavix) and prasugrel (Effient) are both P2Y12 inhibitors used to prevent heart attacks and strokes, but they have some key differences. Clopidogrel is used for people with a history of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease, while prasugrel is specifically for those who have had a stent placed after a heart attack. Clopidogrel is typically taken at a dose of 75 mg once daily, whereas prasugrel is taken at 10 mg once daily, with a lower dose for those under 132 lbs. Prasugrel has a higher risk of bleeding compared to clopidogrel and is not recommended for people aged 75 and older or those with a history of stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). Both medications are available as lower-cost generics and are taken orally once a day. While clopidogrel can interact with certain medications like omeprazole and esomeprazole, prasugrel has fewer specific drug interactions but should be avoided with alcohol due to increased bleeding risk.

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Prasugrel (Effient)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Prasugrel (Effient)

  • Summary of Plavix vs. Effient

    Summary for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Clopidogrel (also known by its brand name, Plavix) is a medication that's used to prevent heart attack and stroke in certain people who are at higher risk for those events. It comes as a tablet taken by mouth once per day and is also available as a generic medication. Since it's a blood thinner, possible side effects include bleeding and bruising, especially if you take medications that interact with clopidogrel (Plavix) like certain antidepressants, anticoagulants, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

    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.

  • Indications of Plavix vs. Effient

    Indications for

    For people with a history of a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease:

    •Heart attack prevention
    •Stroke prevention
    Indications for
    •Prevention of blood clot problems in people who received a stent after a heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Plavix vs. Effient

    Pros and Const for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke
    •Only taken once a day by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Can cause major bleeding or bruising
    •Has many interactions with other medications
    •Might not work as well for people with East Asian descent
    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")

  • Common Side Effects of Plavix vs. Effient

    Common Side Effects for
    •Minor bleeding (5%)
    •Major bleeding (4%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Plavix vs. Effient

    Common Side Effects for
    •Clopidogrel (Plavix) not working as well
    •Bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack or stroke if stopped suddenly
    •Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
    •Allergic reaction
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Plavix vs. Effient

    Learn more about Clopidogrel
    Learn more about Prasugrel

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