Aggrastat injection is used to prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries of the heart after certain types of chest pain and heart attacks. It may also be used in patients who are having certain heart and blood vessel procedures.
Tirofiban is an antiplatelet medication. It reduces the chance that a harmful clot will form by preventing certain cells in the blood from clotting together.
This medication is only available through direct supervision of your doctor.
As with all medicines, the risks of using Aggrastat must be compared to how much it will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.
For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric Usage: Up-to-date studies have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that would limit the use of this medication in the elderly population.
Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category B. This means that animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the unborn baby, however there are no studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have showed an adverse affect to the unborn baby, but studies in pregnant women have not shown a risk to the unborn baby.
Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions.
When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive.
Using this medication with any of the following is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication, or change some of the other medications you take:
Eptifibatide
Using this medication with any of the following medication is not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.
Your doctor may make the decision not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medications you take:
Using this medication with any of the following medications may increase your risk of side effects. However, using both medications may be the best treatment for you. If both medications are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take one or both medications:
Vitamin A
Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets in the blood) - Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
Kidney disease - Use with caution. The side effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.
3 Proper Usage
A doctor or other trained medical professional will administer the Aggrastat injection.
This medication is given through a needle placed into one of your veins. You will receive a continuous infusion of this medication over a period of up to 18 hours. During this time, you will be watched closely to make sure the medication is working and not causing unwanted side effects.
4 Precautions To Take
It is very important that your doctor checks in with you often while you are receiving Aggrastat to make sure that it is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted side effects.
It is very important that you keep all of your appointments. You may bleed or bruise more easily while using this medication. Be very careful to avoid injuries until the effects of the medication have worn off.
Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, tarry stool, blood in the urine or stool or red spots on the skin. Avoid picking your nose. If you need to blow your nose, do so gently. Your doctor may instruct you to use a soft toothbrush or to shave with an electric razor instead of with a razor blade for a few days after you receive the medication. This helps to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Watch for any bleeding from open areas such as needle sites for drawing blood, giving shots or placing a catheter. Check for blood in your urine or stool. If you have any bleeding or injuries, inform your doctor immediately.
Do not take any other prescription or over the counter medication without first discussing it with your doctor.
Aggrastat may produce unwanted affects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:
Swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:
Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects. Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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