A 42-year-old member asked:
which is better for strokes: plavix (clopidogrel) or aggrenox?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bennett Machanic answered
Neurology 52 years experience
Depends: Studies have been done comparing the two. Aggrenox seems superior in preventing recurrent stroke or tia's, but Plavix (clopidogrel) has more research on heart disease and periph vasc problems. Plavix (clopidogrel) is generic now and cheaper, but doesn't work well in pts with certain genetics, and interacts adversely with some ulcer drugs. Aggrenox has aspirin, which may be a problem with some.
5668 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Gabelman commented
Cardiology 41 years experience
Aggrenox has been compared to aspirin in the European Stroke Prevention Sudy(2) but has not been directly studied against plavix. Either is recommended for those after stroke or threatened stroke(TIA). As a cardiologist, I personally prefer plavix as it appears better for heart protection but there is no evidence of either's advantage to prevent strokes.
Aug 12, 2012
Dr. Bennett Machanic commented
Neurology 52 years experience
Provided original answer
I appreciate your comments, as it highlights a difference of opinion between neurologists and cardiologists, and I am not sure that either drug can be said to be best in all circumstances. Regardless, many stroke specialists would pick Aggrenox, and my local heart specialists invariably prefer Plavix.
Aug 12, 2012
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