Mechanism of Action

The proven combination of ingredients in AGGRENOX works together to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke three ways.

AGGRENOX has 3 primary mechanisms of action^15*

ER formulation of AGGRENOX improves absorption of dipyridamole⁶

ER formulation of AGGRENOX improves absorption of dipyridamole Compared with immediate-release dipyridamole, AGGRENOX extended-release dipyridamole shows:

Smoother absorption profile—reduces the peak to trough fluctuations found with immediate-release dipyridamole

50% greater absorption in patients with reduced gastric acidity¹⁷

An acidic environment enhances dipyridamole absorption¹⁷
Many elderly patients have low gastric acid levels due to taking acid suppression agents^{17, 18, 19}
Tantaric acid in AGGRENOX enhances absorption of dipyridamole in elevated gastric pH environment¹⁹

Treatment with AGGRENOX, as indicated, provides a clinically effective dose of aspirin.

The ACCP and the American Heart Association recommend 50 mg-325 mg aspirin qd to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and other vascular events.^{8, 9, 10}

In its required labeling (OTC), the FDA advises a dosage of 50 mg to 325 mg qd for patients with a history of TIA or stroke.²⁰

If your patients can't afford AGGRENOX, our patient assistance program may be able to help. Call 1 800 556 8317.

Important Information About AGGRENOX

AGGRENOX is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have had transient ischemia of the brain or completed ischemic stroke due to thrombosis.

The most common adverse event with AGGRENOX was headache (39.2% vs 32.9% with placebo), which was more frequent at the onset of therapy but diminished over time. In ESPS 2, GI bleeding with AGGRENOX was comparable to aspirin (4.1% vs 3.2%) and the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was nine (9) patients (0.6%) in the AGGRENOX group, six (6) patients (0.5%) in the extended-release dipyridamole group, six (6) patients (0.4%) in the aspirin group and seven (7) patients (0.4%) in the placebo group.

AGGRENOX contains aspirin. Patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks every day should be counseled about the bleeding risks involved with chronic, heavy alcohol use while taking aspirin. Even low doses of aspirin can increase bleeding time, which can adversely affect patients with bleeding disorders. Patients with a history of active peptic ulcer disease should avoid using aspirin, which can cause gastric mucosal irritation and bleeding. AGGRENOX should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy.

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Mechanism of Action

AGGRENOX has 3 primary mechanisms of action15*

ER formulation of AGGRENOX improves absorption of dipyridamole6

AGGRENOX has 3 primary mechanisms of action^15*

ER formulation of AGGRENOX improves absorption of dipyridamole⁶