Heart Attack Medications: What You May Need After Myocardial Infarction
Your cardiologist may prescribe statins and other medications after a heart attack. Here’s a list of heart attack medications for myocardial infarction.
prasugrel
Used for Heart Attack
Used for Heart Attack
Prasugrel (also known as brand name Effient) is a blood thinner used to lower the risk of serious blood clot problems. It's used in adults with certain heart problems, such as unstable angina or a heart attack, who are having a procedure that often involves placing a stent in the heart. It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once a day, usually along with aspirin. A common side effect is bleeding.
What is Prasugrel (Effient)?
What is Prasugrel (Effient) used for?
- Lower the risk of blood clot problems in adults with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are having a procedure that often involves placing a stent in the heart
How Prasugrel (Effient) works
Prasugrel (Effient) is a type of antiplatelet medication called a P2Y12 inhibitor. It works by blocking a protein called P2Y12 on platelets, which are blood cells that stick together to form clots.
By making platelets less likely to stick together, prasugrel (Effient) helps prevent dangerous blood clots that can cause a heart attack or form inside a stent.
When does Prasugrel (Effient) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Effient |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | P2Y12 inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Prasugrel (Effient)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- High blood pressure (8%)
- High cholesterol (7%)
- Headache (6%)
- Bleeding (5%)
- Back pain (5%)
- Shortness of breath (5%)
- Nausea (5%)
- Dizziness (4%)
- Cough (4%)
- Low blood pressure (4%)
- Tiredness (4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Chest pain
- Pain in arms or legs
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Fever
Prasugrel (Effient) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe bleeding: feeling faint, lightheaded, dizziness, vomiting or coughing up blood, bloody or dark-colored stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
- Blood clotting problem: purple spots on your skin or inside your mouth, pale or yellow skin or eyes, tiredness or weakness, fever, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, headache, confusion, speech changes, seizures, urinating less, pink or bloody urine, stomach pain, vision changes
- Serious allergic reactions: facial swelling, hives, trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, fainting
When do Prasugrel (Effient) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Risk for minor bleeds (e.g., nosebleed)
Risk for major bleeds
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
The following Prasugrel (Effient) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted 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 any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Blurred vision
dizziness
headache
nervousness
pounding in the ears
slow or fast heartbeat
Less common
Black, tarry stools
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
chest pain or discomfort
chills
difficult or labored breathing
fainting
irregular heartbeat
lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
painful or difficult urination
rapid weight gain
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
swollen glands
tightness in the chest
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight gain or loss
Incidence not known
Change in mental status
dark or bloody urine
difficulty with speaking
pale color of the skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
seizures
weakness
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$260.07
GoodRx discount
$20.11
Pros and cons of Prasugrel (Effient)
Pros
- Taken only once daily after the loading dose
- Works better than other similar medications
- Can be taken with or without food
Cons
- Higher risk of bleeding than other similar medications
- Not recommended for people age 75 years and older
- Not safe for people who've had a stroke
Pharmacist tips for Prasugrel (Effient)
- Take prasugrel (Effient) with or without food at about the same time every day. If the medication upsets your stomach, taking it with food might help.
- If you miss a dose of prasugrel (Effient), take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual schedule. Don’t take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
- Prasugrel (Effient) can make you bleed more easily. Get medical help right away if you feel lightheaded or dizzy, cough up or vomit blood, have blood in your stool, or have bleeding that takes longer than usual to stop. These could be signs of bleeding.
- Get medical help right away if you fall and hit your head while taking prasugrel (Effient). Your care team might need to check you for bleeding in your brain, even if you feel okay.
- Tell your care team about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take before starting prasugrel (Effient). It can interact with many medications, such as ibuprofen and opioid pain medications. These interactions acan ffect how well it works or raise your risk of bleeding.
- It’s best to avoid alcohol while taking prasugrel (Effient). Alcohol doesn’t directly interact with the medication, but it can raise the risk of bleeding
- Prasugrel (Effient) typically needs to be stopped at least 7 days before surgery when possible because of the risk of bleeding. But you might not need to stop it for every procedure, so tell your care team and dentist that you take this medication before any planned procedure. Don’t stop it on your own.
- Don’t stop taking prasugrel (Effient) unless your cardiologist tells you it’s safe to do so. Stopping treatment too soon can raise your risk of serious blood clots, including a blood clot in your stent or a heart attack.
Risks and warnings for Prasugrel (Effient)
Prasugrel (Effient) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Bleeding
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that raise the risk for bleeding | Bleeding problems | Kidney or liver problems | Recent or upcoming surgery | Age 75 years or older | Weigh less than 60 kg (132 lbs)
Prasugrel (Effient) is a blood thinner, so it raises your risk for bleeding. Your risk is higher if you’re age 75 or older, weigh less than 60 kg (132 lb), recently had surgery, have serious kidney or liver problems, or take other medications that raise your risk of bleeding.
The risk of bleeding is especially high during heart bypass surgery. If possible, prasugrel (Effient) should be stopped at least 7 days before heart bypass surgery or another procedure with a high risk of bleeding. Make sure your care team knows you take this medication before any planned procedure, and don’t stop taking it unless your prescriber tells you to.
Get medical help right away if you have unusual or severe bleeding, blood in your urine or stool, cough up or vomit blood, or have bleeding that’s difficult to stop.
Risk of stopping treatment too early
Don’t stop taking prasugrel (Effient) unless your cardiologist tells you it’s safe to do so. Stopping the medication too soon can raise your risk of serious blood clots, which can lead to a heart attack.
Blood-clotting problem
Sometimes, prasugrel (Effient) can cause a rare but life-threatening blood condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). This happens when small blood clots form throughout the body and can occur within the first 2 weeks of starting treatment. Get medical help right away if you have fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, headache, weakness, tiredness, trouble breathing, or confusion. TTP requires treatment as soon as possible.
Allergic reaction
- Risk factors: Allergy to clopidogrel or ticagrelor
Prasugrel (Effient) can cause serious allergic reactions, including swelling of the face or throat. Your risk might be higher if you’ve had an allergic reaction to another similar medication, such as clopidogrel or ticagrelor. Get emergency medical help right away if you develop hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.
Prasugrel (Effient) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 10mg of Prasugrel (Effient) is $20.11 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 92.27% off the average retail price of $260.07.
Interactions between Prasugrel (Effient) and other drugs
Prasugrel (Effient) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Prasugrel (Effient). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Defibrotide
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Alipogene Tiparvovec
- Alteplase, Recombinant
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Apixaban
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Bemiparin
- Betrixaban
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Caplacizumab-yhdp
- Celecoxib
- Certoparin
- Choline Salicylate
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clonixin
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Desirudin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Droxicam
- Edoxaban
- Enoxaparin
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Heparin
- Ibrutinib
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Inotersen
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Naproxen
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piracetam
- Piroxicam
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Reviparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Selumetinib
- Sertraline
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Tinzaparin
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Trazodone
- Valdecoxib
- Vilazodone
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
How much does Prasugrel (Effient) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Prasugrel (Effient) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Prasugrel (Effient) will not be safe for you to take.
- Active bleeding
- History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke")
What are alternatives to Prasugrel (Effient)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Prasugrel (Effient). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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