Key result
Aggrenox (low-dose aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole) is more effective than either agent alone for secondary prevention of stroke and TIA, but not for preventing death.
Why the study?
Does the combination of low-dose aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole improve secondary prevention of stroke and TIA compared to aspirin or dipyridamole alone in patients with prior stroke or TIA?
Does the combination of low-dose aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole improve secondary prevention of stroke and TIA compared to aspirin or dipyridamole alone in patients with prior stroke or TIA?
The combination of low-dose aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole provides additive benefits over either agent alone for secondary stroke and TIA prevention and is cost-effective despite higher initial costs.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May support Aggrenox for secondary stroke/TIA prevention; leaves open mortality effects and needs prospective confirmation.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The risk of experiencing a recurrent stroke remains elevated for several years after an initial stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), therefore secondary prevention is crucial in reducing the risk of stroke and the complications and costs associated with stroke. Aggrenox, a combination of low-dose aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole, is a new agent that is effective in the secondary prevention of stroke and transient ischemia of the brain. The clinical effect of its two antiplatelet agents are additive and significantly better than either aspirin or dipyridamole alone, although it has not been shown to be more effective than aspirin alone in preventing death. Aggrenox is much more expensive than aspirin alone but has been shown to be more cost-effective. At this point, much of the pharmacologic information concerning this combination agent is based on previous data about aspirin and immediate-release dipyridamole. This combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole may play a significant role in secondary stroke and TIA prevention.
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Nina N Wong (2001) conducted a review in Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Aggrenox (low-dose aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole) vs. Aspirin alone or dipyridamole alone was evaluated. Aggrenox (low-dose aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole) is more effective than either agent alone for secondary prevention of stroke and TIA, but not for preventing death.
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