Prasugrel

Conditions Treated

Prasugrel is used along with aspirin to prevent serious or life-threatening problems with the heart and blood vessels in people who have had a heart attack or severe chest pain and have been treated with angioplasty (procedure to open the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). Prasugrel is in a class of medications called anti-platelet medications. It works by preventing platelets (a type of blood cell) from collecting and forming clots that may cause a heart attack or stroke.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Prasugrel may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• excessive tiredness
• pain in the back, arms, or legs
• cough

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• fever
• weakness
• paleness
• purple patches on the skin
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• shortness of breath
• slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• headache
• confusion
• seizures
• slow or difficult speech
• sudden weakness of an arm or leg
• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• decreased urination
• rash
• swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• rash

Prasugrel may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Prasugrel comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take prasugrel at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take prasugrel exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole; do not split, chew, or crush it. Prasugrel will help prevent serious problems with your heart and blood vessels only as long as you take the medication. Do not stop taking prasugrel without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking prasugrel, there is a higher risk that you may have a heart attack, develop a blood clot, or die.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking prasugrel, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to prasugrel, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in prasugrel tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.