What medications shout I be on post ischemic CVA & TIA? I'm only taking 100mg aspirin daily. Awaiting loop recorder for investigations paroxismal AF.

Hi there,

Great question! Knowing what medication you need to take after a TIA and stroke and understanding why is so important. 

Almost everyone will need to take medication after a TIA or stroke to reduce the risk of another event. The type of medication and dosage is very individual, as it depends on many factors including the type of stroke you have had, the cause of your stroke, your past medical history, other medications you may be taking, and others - so it’s always best to check with you doctor.

If you have had a TIA or an ischaemic stroke (stroke caused by a blocked vessel), you will usually always need to take a blood thinner. Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication – one type of blood thinner. Again, the dosage needs to be guided by your doctor. Anticoagulants are another type of blood thinner and stop clots forming in a different way to an antiplatelet. They are often prescribed for people with Atrial Fibrillation (AF). It sounds you are waiting on investigations to find out more about this - chat to your doctor about this.

The Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management also recommend that patients with an ischaemic stroke or TIA be placed on a statin (a type of cholesterol-lowering medication) regardless of cholesterol levels before to the event. This would be worth speaking to your doctor about.

Blood pressure medications can also be prescribed too if appropriate in your situation.

There may be other medications you need to take depending on your situation. Ultimately, we do always suggest continuing medication prescribed (and at the dose prescribed) by your doctor and that no changes are made without consulting with your doctor.

You may like to read our medication after stroke fact sheet for more information.

NPS Medicinewise is another great resource if you have questions about medications.

You can also ask your doctor to refer you for a medication review with a pharmacist. Some pharmacies also offer a Medscheck service where you can pop in and ask them to review your medications and answer questions you may have.

We are also here if you have any more questions (1800 787 653),

Best wishes,

Lisa (StrokeLine)