Dipyridamole and aspirin: This of the... - British Heart Fou...

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Dipyridamole and aspirin

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This of the manufacturers site:-

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING DIPYRIDAMOLE (PERSANTINE)?

Do not take aspirin while you are taking dipyridamole. Many medicines available over the counter also contain aspirin or similar medicines called salicylates. Ask your doctor before taking any other medication for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin.

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stevejb1810 profile image
stevejb1810

Why are you taking both? If you are prescribed both following any form of cardiac surgery, by either the surgeon or cardiologist, continue to take both. If you are concerned, go and see your GP. Interestingly, RxList.com makes no mention of avoiding aspirin when taking dipyridamole.

in reply to stevejb1810

Hi, I was originally prescribed Aspirin by my GP due to suspected TIA ( three weeks after the event ) went because of recurring ocular migraines, I was then referred to the TIA clinic who diagnosed a TIA. Although I passed all the clinical tests, He then prescribed Clopidogrel, I found these problematic so asked my GP could I return to aspirin, and was told that I would be prescribed Dipyridamole along side aspirin, but if I found the Dipyridamole problematic i would be prescribed Aspirin alone. Considering that everything else in my life is spot on diet, exercise, blood pressure, heart, cholesterol, Etc I can't understand why I have to take a drug which has severe side effects and shouldn't be taken with aspirin.

Fortepiano profile image
Fortepiano in reply to

You take it because you have had a TIA and are therefore at high risk of a stroke.

Everything else in your life being 'spot on' didn't stop you having a TIA. It is obviously your choice whether or not to take the medicines that have been prescribed to protect you from having a stroke, but the reason they have been prescribed for you is perfectly clear.

in reply to Fortepiano

Hi Fortepiano, I know you will think I am being difficult, but if I can't take Dipyridamole for whatever reason they will prescribe aspirin alone, and think that is sufficient. So if it is sufficient as a precautionary drug, then other drugs are "belt and braces" yes ?

Fortepiano profile image
Fortepiano in reply to

No, it's not as good at preventing stroke and is not considered to be sufficient, but it's obviously better than nothing.

in reply to Fortepiano

Also I await clinical evidence to definitely diagnosis a TIA. Hopefully this week

Fortepiano profile image
Fortepiano in reply to

TIAs are diagnosed primarily from symptoms - because they are temporary they don't show up on brain scans like a stroke would.

Tests can sometimes find a presumed cause like atrial fibrillation but often the cause is a blood clot that has dispersed - hence the antiplatelets to prevent further clots.

NorthantsSteve profile image
NorthantsSteve in reply to Fortepiano

To be clear about the level of risk. 1 in 5 people who have a TIA will suffer a stroke, heart attack or die within 12 months.

Fortepiano profile image
Fortepiano in reply to NorthantsSteve

Indeed the risk shouldn't be underestimated.

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