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Stroke Prevention

Stroke prevention reduces the chance of a first or repeat brain infarct or haemorrhage by addressing individual causes and modifiable risks. The correct plan depends on diagnosis, not a general list of blood-thinning medicines.

Eliquis

Apixaban

2.5 · 5mg

Apixaban 2.5mg and 5mg film-coated tablets, used in the management of venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention. A factor Xa inhibitor.

From$0.43/ tabletView

Rivaroxaban Tablets

Rivaroxaban

10mg

Rivaroxaban 10mg tablets, used in the management of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.

From$0.85/ tabletView

Key points

  • Previous stroke or TIA, atrial fibrillation, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and artery disease influence risk in different ways.
  • Antiplatelets are used for selected arterial causes, while anticoagulants have a distinct role in conditions such as atrial fibrillation.
  • Bleeding history, kidney function, interactions and adherence affect medicine choice; combining clot-prevention drugs can be dangerous.

Catalogue matches do not calculate stroke risk or indicate a safe antiplatelet, anticoagulant or blood-pressure regimen.

Why must the stroke mechanism be known?

Large-artery plaque, small-vessel disease, heart embolism and brain bleeding require different prevention. Imaging, rhythm assessment and other tests help avoid treatment that is ineffective or increases bleeding risk.

What may a prevention plan include?

Care may address blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, activity and sleep apnoea. Apixaban has selected roles for embolic-risk conditions such as AF, with dose and suitability guided by age, weight, kidney function and interactions.

When to seek urgent care

Call emergency services for sudden facial droop, one-sided weakness or numbness, speech or vision change, loss of balance, confusion or thunderclap headache, even if symptoms resolve.

Further reading

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