Prasugrel
Prasugrel
Prasugrel is an FDA-approved medication used to prevent heart attacks, strokes & other conditions related to your heart and blood vessels. This medication is given to adults before they have percutaneous coronary intervention (a non-surgical procedure used for treating blocked coronary arteries). This medication can be taken in combination with aspirin, but it is allowed for patients with heart diseases who recently had a heart attack or unstable angina and undergone angioplasty. Prasugrel is available in two different tablet strengths, so it is important for patients to consult a medical professional before using this medication. Moreover, Prasugrel is a prescription drug. Therefore, patients are advised not to share their medication with other individuals, even if they share the same condition. This can increase the risk of side effects.
Product Overview
Prasugrel is a prescription medication used to prevent blood clots in patients who have acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are undergoing a procedure like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This medication contains the active ingredient Prasugrel hydrochloride, which is a potent antiplatelet agent. It works by restricting platelets from grouping together, thereby lowering the risk of stroke or heart attack. Prasugrel is FDA-approved and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Prasugrel is available in tablet form and comes in two strengths: 5 mg & 10 mg. The tablets should be taken orally, with or without food, and swallowed whole. It is usually prescribed to adults, particularly those who have had a recent heart attack or severely unstable angina (chest pain) requiring PCI. The medication begins working within 30 minutes to restrict platelet aggregation and is most effective when taken consistently as prescribed by a doctor.
Common side effects of Prasugrel include bleeding, bruising, and an increased risk of bleeding complications. Patients should inform their medical practitioner of any history of bleeding disorders or other medical conditions. In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double up doses. In case of an overdose, get immediate medical attention. Always follow the storage instructions on the medication label to ensure its efficacy and safety.
What Are the Uses of Prasugrel?
It is used for the following conditions:
- Post-Balloon Angioplasty: This medication is used in patients who have undergone balloon angioplasty. This procedure helps in opening the blocked arteries after a heart attack or extreme chest pain.
- Unstable Angina & Heart Attacks: When taken in combination with aspirin, Prasugrel helps prevent severe heart and blood vessel problems, including heart attacks, blood clots in stents, and strokes. However, this medication can also be used in patients with heart disease.
- Thrombotic Cardiovascular Events: Prasugrel belongs to a group of P2Y12 platelet inhibitors used to lower the risk of thrombotic cardiovascular problems in NSTEMI (non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction) or chest pain, as well as in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) managed with either primary or delayed PCI.
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Prasugrel?
Prasugrel comes in the form of a tablet with the following strengths:
- 5 mg, and
- 10 mg
What Are the Recommended Dosage of Prasugrel?
The dosage recommendations for Prasugrel depend on several factors, including the type and severity of your medical condition and the form of medication you take. Generally, medical professionals prescribe a starting dose and gradually adjust the drug doses as needed. It is important to note that the dosage recommendations below are only for the average dose. So, if you have been prescribed a different dose, do not change it without consulting your medical practitioner.
For the Prevention of Heart Attacks or Strokes
For Adults
- Patients weighing 60 kg and more are recommended to take a 60 mg dose of Prasugrel as a loading dose and then a 10 mg tablet once daily. You have to administer this medication with aspirin (75 to 325 mg) once daily.
- Patients weighing less than 60 kg should take 60 mg as a loading dose and then a 5 mg dose of Prasugrel once daily.
For Pediatric Patients
Doctors have not yet established the safety and effectiveness of Prasugrel.
For Geriatric Patients
- Patients 65 years of age and below should take 60 mg as an initial dose, then continue taking 10 mg once a day.
- Patients 75 years of age and above are not usually recommended to take this medication unless it is in a high-risk situation, like diabetes or prior myocardial infarction.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Use Prasugrel?
- Carefully read your medication guide or patient information leaflet provided by your medical professional or pharmacist. Doing so will offer detailed information on the administration steps. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or a practitioner.
- Follow the dosage recommendations exactly as your precipitation label mentions.
- Do not change the doses without consulting your medical practitioner.
- Take the medication orally with or without food as directed by your doctor.
- Swallow the tablets as a whole with a full glass of water.
- Do not break, split, chew, or crush the medication. Doing so may release the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
- Prasugrel prevents blood clotting, thus making it easier for you to bleed easily, even from a minor injury. So, if you have any bleeding that won’t stop, reach out to a medical professional.
- If you have a planned surgery or dentist appointment, tell your doctor beforehand.
- Do not stop taking this medication, even if you feel well. Discontinuing Prasugrel too soon may raise the chances of blood clots, heart attack, or death.
- Take the medication regularly at the same time to get the most benefit out of it.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Prasugrel Work?
Prasugrel works by restricting the activation and aggregation of platelets in the blood. It targets the P2Y12 receptor on the platelet surface, preventing ADP (adenosine diphosphate) from binding to the receptor. This action stops platelets from accumulating together, reducing the risk of forming harmful blood clots. This is particularly important for patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). By preventing clots, Prasugrel helps reduce the chances of heart attacks and strokes, offering significant protection for patients at risk of these cardiovascular events.
Important Safety Information for Using Prasugrel
What Are the Side Effects of Prasugrel?
Common Side Effects of Prasugrel: This medication can cause various side effects. These effects are usually temporary, lasting from a few days to weeks. However, if these reactions do not go away, persist for a long time, or get intense, reach out to a medical practitioner right away. Common side effects of Prasugrel may include:
- Nosebleeds
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Dizziness
- Extreme tiredness
- Cough
- Pain in your back, legs, or arms
- Headache
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Blurred vision
- Nervousness
- Pounding in the ears
- Irregular heartbeats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Serious Side Effects of Prasugrel: Besides common reactions, Prasugrel can result in certain adverse reactions, which can be fatal over time. If you are observing such side effects or something that seems concerning, talk to your healthcare provider. Serious side effects of Prasugrel may include:
- Passing out
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Pink or brown urine
- Blood clotting problems. Its signs may include:
- Pale skin
- Jaundice
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Rapid heart rate
- Fever
- Purple marks under the skin or on the mouth
- Stomach bleeding. Its symptoms are:
- Bloody stools
- Coughing up blood
- Stroke. Some of its symptoms are:
- Sudden severe headache
- Slurred speech
- Vision problem
- Balance problem
- Sudden numbness
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Decreased urination
- Rash
- Swelling on any part of the body
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Prasugrel?
Prasugrel can cause severe side effects in certain patients, or it may not be an ideal treatment option for specific populations due to their medical conditions. However, there are no specific warnings for Prasurgel other than the ones mentioned in the boxed warnings section, but it is important for patients to exercise caution while using this treatment. If you experience any unusual symptoms or signs besides the mentioned FDA warnings, immediately contact your medical practitioner, as overlooking any unusual signs may be life-threatening.
What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Prasugrel?
Boxed warnings, also called black-boxed warnings, are among the most stringent guidelines issued by the FDA. These warnings alert doctors and patients about the harmful effects of a particular drug, which can be life-threatening if overlooked. The FDA has issued some boxed warnings for Prasugrel, which are as follows:
- This medication can cause serious bleeding in certain patients, which can sometimes be fatal. Therefore, patients are advised not to use Prasugrel if they have active bleeding or a history of mini-strokes or stroke.
- Prasugrel is not recommended for use in patients aged 75 or older due to the higher risk of fatal and brain bleeding unless they are high-risk patients with diabetes or a prior heart attack.
- This medication should not be used in patients who may need urgent coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). If possible, stop using Prasugrel at least seven days before any surgery.
- There are many factors that lead to an increased risk of bleeding in patients; these are:
- Body weight under 60 kg
- Tendency to bleed
- Administration of multiple drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, including fibrinolytic therapy, heparin, warfarin, chronic NSAIDs
- Doctors should closely monitor bleeding in patients who are hypotensive and have recently had coronary angiography, PCI, CABG, or other surgeries during treatment with Prasugrel. If bleeding occurs, try to manage it without stopping your medication, as discontinuing it, especially in the first few weeks after ACS (acute coronary syndrome), increases the risk of future cardiovascular problems.
What Are the Prasugrel Precautions?
When considering treatment with Prasugrel, patients should discuss every risk and benefit with their medical practitioner. Here are some of the precautions that you can take before using Prasugrel:
- Before taking this medication, tell your healthcare provider about your allergies, if you are allergic to Prasugrel, any of its ingredients, or any similar antiplatelet drugs, including clopidogrel. The product may contain certain inactive components that can cause severe allergic reactions.
- When considering treatment with Prasugrel, inform your practitioner about your or your family’s medical history, especially of:
- Blood disorders like hemophilia
- Bleeding problems, like bleeding in the stomach or in the brain
- Blood clots in the brain, including transient ischemic attack or stroke
- Recent major surgery
- Liver disease
- Stomach ulcers
- If you are undergoing surgery or any medical procedure, including heart bypass surgery, tell your medical professional or surgeon about the products you use. This includes all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products.
- Prasugrel can increase the risk of bleeding, so patients should avoid getting cut, bruised, or injured. Avoid using sharp objects such as razors and nail cutters, along with activities like contact sports.
- This medication may cause stomach bleeding. Therefore, limit alcohol consumption when undergoing Prasugrel treatment.
- Older patients are extremely sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding. Talk to a medical practitioner, and they will suggest alternate options that suit your needs.
- If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, avoid using this medication unless it is clearly needed, as it may harm the developing fetus. Discuss every risk and benefit with an expert before using this medication.
- It is not clear whether the drug enters into the breast milk or not. So, if you are a nursing mother, talk to a medical professional to see if Prasugrel is safe during breastfeeding or not.
What Are the Contraindications of Prasugrel?
It is contraindicated in patients with:
- Active Bleeding: Prasugrel is not recommended for use in patients who have active pathological bleeding, such as intracranial hemorrhage or peptic ulcer.
- Prior Transient Ischemic Attack or Stroke: This medication is strictly contraindicated in patients who have a history of TIA or stroke.
- Hypersensitivity: Patients with hypersensitivity reactions like anaphylaxis are recommended against using this medication. If you have an allergy to this product or any of its ingredients, you should not use Prasugrel.
What If You Missed a Dose of Prasugrel?
Generally, it is advisable not to miss any doses of Prasugrel, but if someone forgets, they can:
- Take the tablets as soon as possible or whenever you remember.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, you may omit the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule as your doctor instructed.
- Remember not to take double doses of your prescribed medication just for the sake of making up for the missed dose. This may cause adverse side effects.
- Use medication apps or set reminders on your phone to avoid skipping any doses.
- Take each dose at the same time every day to get the most benefit out of it.
- If you are still unsure about the missed doses, talk to an expert physician. They will guide you and suggest alternate options.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Prasugrel?
While patients are educated enough to know the complications of overdose, there are times when they mistakenly take an excessive amount of Prasugrel tablets. In such cases, patients are advised not to panic and instead look for unusual signs like fainting and passing out. If you are experiencing such overdose symptoms, visit the nearest clinic or get medical assistance immediately by calling 911.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store a Prasugrel?
- Store the medication at a controlled temperature, within 25°C or 77°F, with excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C or 59° to 86°F.
- Keep the product in its original container.
- Place a safety lock on the container to avoid poisoning your children and pets. There are many products in the market that are not child-resistant.
- Store the medication somewhere safe, away from the reach and sight of children.
- Do not flush the medication down the toilet.
- Avoid refrigerating the tablets.
- Do not keep the medication in moist or damp areas like the bathroom or near the sink.
- Protect the product from extreme heat, moisture, and light.
- Do not keep it under direct sunlight.
- Prasugrel comes in a bottle, so do not remove the desiccant from the bottle container. It will protect the medication against moisture.
- Do not use a medication if its expiration date has passed. The expiration date is the last day of the month mentioned on the back of the prescription label or carton.
- You should dispose of the medications in such a way that children and animals cannot consume them, as it may cause accidental overdose and death if someone else consumes them.
- The best way to eliminate unwanted medications is to give them in the medicine take-back program.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Medications Interact with Prasugrel?
Drug interactions occur when one or more medications are taken simultaneously. These interactions can either raise the risk of developing side effects in certain patients or affect the functioning of one of the drugs. Either way, it results in adverse reactions. Therefore, patients need to be aware of the drugs that may interact with their Prasugrel medication. Below are some of the drugs that can interact with Prasugrel:
- Apixaban
- Abrocitinib
- Bromfenac
- Betrixaban
- Clopidogrel
- Cabozantinib
- Defibrotide
- Danaparoid
- Enoxaparin
- Edoxaban
- Flurbiprofen
- Fenoprofen
- Ibuprofen
- Ibrutinib
- Ketorolac
- Ketoprofen
- Lepirudin
- Lecanemab
- Meloxicam
- Meclofenamate
- Naproxen
- Nabumetone
- Oxaprozin
- Omacetaxine
- Phenylbutazone
- Piroxicam
- Rivaroxaban
- Regorafenib
- Sulindac
- Streptokinase
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Urokinase
- Vorapaxar
- Warfarin
- Zanubrutinib
What Are the Other Prasugrel Interactions?
Besides drugs, the presence of certain medical problems may affect the functioning and effects of Prasugrel. So, if you have any of the below conditions during your treatment with this medication, talk to a healthcare professional. These other interactions are:
- Bleeding
- Coronary and cerebral vascular disease
- Renal/liver disease
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Prasugrel. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Prasugrel Alternatives?
People usually take alternative drugs for many reasons. In some cases, the prescribed medication may not be an ideal option for them due to their medical conditions. On the other hand, they may not achieve the results they are aiming for. Therefore, you should talk to a medical professional before you start a particular treatment or if you want to change your medication. They may help you decide which medication is best suited for you. Some of the alternatives to Prasugrel are as follows:
- Agrylin
- Brilinta
- Cilostazol
- Dipyridamole
- Enoxaparin
- Lovenox
- Integrilin
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Prasugrel Cost & Coupons
It is important to note that Prasugrel’s cost is not the same everywhere. The actual price of these tablets depends on several factors, including your insurance plan, location, and the pharmacies you use. Prasugrel, with its healing qualities, can be expensive for certain patients. Here, insurance coverage plays a significant role. You can buy your medication at affordable rates with an insurance coverage plan. However, not all drugs/medications are covered under the insurance plan. If you are residing in America and searching for affordable pharmacies to manage your medication’s cost, reach out to Polar Bear Meds. Here you can buy Prasugrel online from Canada in the USA at discounted rates. Moreover, first-time buyers can use the Prasugrel coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive a 10% discount on their first order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I take aspirin with Prasugrel?
Aspirin is often prescribed with Prasugrel because they work together to prevent blood clots. Aspirin restricts platelets in one way, while Prasugrel inhibits them in another. This dual approach significantly lowers the risk of heart attacks, strokes & other cardiovascular events, especially in patients who have undergone procedures like stent placement or have acute coronary syndrome. However, if you are taking these medications combined, always remember to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take these medications together.
Is Prasugrel a strong blood thinner?
Yes, Prasugrel is considered a strong blood thinner. It is a potent antiplatelet agent that helps prevent platelets from grouping together and forming blood clots. This is particularly beneficial for patients at an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Due to its strength, this medication must be used under careful medical supervision to manage the risk of excessive bleeding.
Do I experience high blood pressure while using Prasugrel?
High blood pressure is not a common side effect of Prasugrel. However, every individual may react differently to medication. If you notice major changes in your blood pressure or experience symptoms like severe headaches or dizziness, contact your healthcare provider immediately. It’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and report any unusual changes to your doctor.
How do I know if Prasugrel is working?
You may not feel Prasugrel working, but it effectively reduces the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Your healthcare practitioner will monitor your progress through regular check-ups and possibly blood tests. It’s crucial to take the medication as prescribed and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure it is effectively managing your condition.
Can Prasugrel cause anemia?
Yes, Prasugrel can cause anemia as a side effect, although it is not very common. Anemia may occur due to bleeding, as this medication increases the risk of bleeding. Symptoms of anemia may include tiredness, shortness of breath, and weakness. If you experience these symptoms, contact your medical provider for an evaluation and appropriate management. Regular monitoring can help detect & address any issues early.
Our Guarantee
At PolarBearMeds.com, we assure you the most affordable price to buy Prasugrel online from Canada. Rest easy knowing that your order will be dispatched from a reputable Licensed Canada Pharmacy Online, adhering to the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our discounted medications are shipped directly from Canada to your doorstep, ensuring a swift and secure delivery experience. To conveniently buy Prasugrel online to treat acute coronary syndrome at a substantial cost, call us at 1-888-779-2193 toll-free.