Question 2

aspirin alone, at 81 mg/day

Correct. Results of multiple clinical trials show that, as compared to placebo, aspirin reduces the risk of total cardiovascular events by 10%, driven largely by a reduction in nonfatal myocardial infarction. Doses over 81 mg/day increase the risk of bleeding without a countervailing increase in preventive efficacy.

clopidogrel (Plavix) alone

Incorrect. No trials have evaluated clopidogrel alone for the primary prevention of vascular events.

aspirin and clopidogrel in combination

Incorrect. The CHARISMA trial found no additional benefit of combining clopidogrel and aspirin compared to aspirin alone for primary prevention of cardiovascular events.

prasugrel (Effient) alone

Incorrect. No trials have evaluated prasugrel alone for the primary prevention of vascular events.