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

Prasugrel

(Effient)

Clopidogrel

(Plavix)

Summary for Prasugrel

Prescription only

Prasugrel (also known as brand name Effient) is a blood thinner used to lower the risk of serious blood clot problems. It's used in adults with certain heart problems, such as unstable angina or a heart attack, who are having a procedure that often involves placing a stent in the heart. It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once a day, usually along with aspirin. A common side effect is bleeding.

Indications for Prasugrel

Lower the risk of blood clot problems in adults with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are having a procedure that often involves placing a stent in the heart

Pros and Cons for Prasugrel

Pros

Taken only once daily after the loading dose
Works better than other similar medications
Can be taken with or without food

Cons

Higher risk of bleeding than other similar medications
Not recommended for people age 75 years and older
Not safe for people who've had a stroke

Common Side Effects for Prasugrel

High blood pressure (8%)
High cholesterol (7%)
Headache (6%)
Bleeding (5%)
Back pain (5%)
Shortness of breath (5%)
Nausea (5%)
Dizziness (4%)
Cough (4%)
Low blood pressure (4%)
Tiredness (4%)

Warnings for Prasugrel

Bleeding
Risk of stopping treatment too early
Blood-clotting problem
Allergic reaction

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 Prasugrel vs. Clopidogrel

Prasugrel30 tablets / 10mg

$20.11$260.07

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Clopidogrel30 tablets / 75mg

$11.33$89.89

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Prasugrel vs. Clopidogrel

Prasugrel

Clopidogrel

Summary for Prasugrel

Indications for Prasugrel

Pros and Cons for Prasugrel

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prasugrel

Warnings for Prasugrel

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 Prasugrel vs. Clopidogrel

Browse medications by letter

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Prasugrel

Clopidogrel

Summary for Prasugrel

Indications for Prasugrel

Pros and Cons for Prasugrel

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prasugrel

Warnings for Prasugrel

Summary for Clopidogrel

Indications for Clopidogrel

Pros and Cons for Clopidogrel

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clopidogrel

Warnings for Clopidogrel