Aggrenox Generic Uses and Side Effects:

Chemical Name ASPIRIN (AS-pir-in) and DIPYRIDAMOLE (dye-peer-ID-a-mole)

AGGRENOX is an FDA-approved prescription medication to lower the risk of stroke in people who have had either a TIA (transient ischemic attack or “mini-stroke”) or stroke due to a blood clot. It contains a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole. Aspirin is in a group of drugs called salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates). It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

In a clinical study, AGGRENOX helped reduce the risk of stroke in patients who had a TIA or stroke due to a blood clot. Patients taking AGGRENOX twice a day were 22% less likely to have stroke than patients taking low-dose aspirin (25 mg twice daily) alone. Additionally, over 90% of patients on AGGRENOX remained free of recurrent stroke.

Directions

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. AGGRENOX can be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, break, or open the capsule. Swallow the pill whole.

Cautions

Patients should not take this medication if:

• they are a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox
• you are allergic to aspirin or dipyridamole (Persantine)
• have asthma
• have nasal polyps
• have a history of allergy to an NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Before taking AGGRENOX, tell your doctor if you are:

• allergic to any drugs
• have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
• have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia
• have or had heart disease, congestive heart failure, or recent heart attack
• have liver disease
• have kidney disease
• have low blood pressure
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Side Effects

Some patients who take AGGRENOX may experience side effects. The most common side effects of include headache, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Because AGGRENOX contains aspirin, the risk of bleeding is increased and it may take longer to stop bleeding.

AGGRENOX may cause serious side effects such as:

• Severe headache with drowsiness
• Confusion or memory change
• Passing out (becoming unconscious)
• Bleeding in your stomach or intestine
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn or nausea
• Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like “coffee grounds”
• Red or bloody stools
• Black stools that look like tar
• New or worsening chest pain in some people with heart disease
• Liver problems
• Loss of appetite
• Pale-colored stool
• Stomach-area (abdominal) pain
• Yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes
• Dark urine
• Itching