Examples

How It Works

Antiplatelet medicines reduce blood clot formation by preventing the smallest blood cells (platelets) from sticking together and forming blood clots.

Why It Is Used

Aspirin is the most commonly used medicine to prevent stroke. But all of these medicines can be used to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have already had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke.

How Well It Works

Aspirin reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack or another transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Studies have shown that the combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole reduces the risk of stroke and is a safe and effective alternative to aspirin alone.¹

Clopidogrel is a safe and effective alternative to aspirin.¹

It is important for each person to work with his or her doctor to find the best medicine.

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Hives.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Coughing up blood, vomiting blood, or passing black, tarry, or bloody stools. (These are signs of bleeding inside your body.)

Call your doctor right away if you have any unusual bleeding, such as:

• Blood spots under your skin.
• A nosebleed that you cannot stop.
• Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth.

Common side effects of these medicines include:

• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
• Nausea.
• Severe headache.
• Stomach pain or discomfort.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)