Compare aspirin vs. Pradaxa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Ecotrin (aspirin)

Prescription or OTC

Pradaxa (Dabigatran)

Prescription only
Relieves pain, fever, and inflammation.

Ecotrin (aspirin) can be used for pain and fever relief or heart protection, and is generally very safe and affordable.

●●●●●
3.8/ 5 average rating with 533 reviewsforaspirin
Prevents blood clots.

Pradaxa (Dabigatran) is a good medication for preventing blood clots. It doesn't require regular blood tests or changing doses often. It can be expensive and there's no way to reverse the medication's effects.

Upsides
  • Ecotrin (aspirin) provides the best protection for your heart to prevent heart attacks and stroke with the lowest risk of side effects
  • It is available over-the-counter in drugstores on its own and in combination with other cold and flu medications.
  • Ecotrin (aspirin) is available as a cheaper, generic form.
  • Ecotrin (aspirin) is available in several forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and suppositories.
  • Clinical studies have shown that the risk of stroke and blood clots is lower than with warfarin, another popular "blood thinner" (anticoagulant).
  • Doesn't require regular blood tests or frequent dose changes.
  • In studies comparing Pradaxa (Dabigatran) to other "blood thinners", it worked just as well in preventing strokes and was better in lowering the risk of bleeding.
Downsides
  • Ecotrin (aspirin) is not a preferred medication for treating pain, inflammation, or fever due to the high risk of bleeding.
  • Ecotrin (aspirin) increases the risk of bleeding, especially when used with other blood thinner medications like Coumadin (warfarin).
  • Not available as generic.
  • There are no antidotes to stop bleeding caused by taking too much Pradaxa (Dabigatran).
  • Can't take during pregnancy.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Suppository
  • Pill
Price
No pricing information available
Lowest price
$406.31
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Reviews
533 reviews so far
76%
saidit'sworth it
41%
saiditworked well
6%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Ecotrin (aspirin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
10possible side effects
  • GI side effect
    35%
  • Any side effect
    21%
  • Any bleed
    20%
  • Dyspepsia
    8%
  • Major gastrointestinal bleed
    6%
  • Major bleed
    3%
  • GI bleed
    3%
  • Gastritis-like symptoms
    3%
  • Life-threatening bleed
    2%
  • Gastrointestinal bleed
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Reye's Syndrome in children
    • Children 18 years or younger
    • Children recovering from viral infections
  • Bleeding
    • History of stomach bleeding or ulcers
    • Taking Ecotrin (aspirin), NSAIDs, or blood thinners
    • Alcohol use
    • People 75 years and older taking high dose (325mg) of Ecotrin (aspirin)
  • Serious allergic reactions
    • Allergy to Ecotrin (aspirin)
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Blood clots
    • Stopping Pradaxa (Dabigatran) too soon
  • Blood clot in the spine
    • Spinal tap
    • Anesthesia along the spine (epidural anesthesia)
    • Taking NSAIDs, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medicines
  • Unusual bleeding
    • Drug interactions
    • Taking with NSAIDs, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medicines
  • Stomach or intestinal problems
  • Increased risk of stroke or bleeding
    • Artificial heart valve
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Ecotrin (aspirin)
Learn more about Pradaxa (Dabigatran)