Effient (Prasugrel)

Description

Indications

Prasugrel is prescribed in conjunction with aspirin to reduce the risk of severe or life-threatening complications in individuals who have suffered a heart attack or experienced severe chest pain and undergone angioplasty to open up the heart’s blood vessels. This medication is classified as an anti-platelet and its mechanism of action involves inhibiting platelets from clustering together and forming clots, which could lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Uses and Dosage

Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking this medication, either with or without food, usually once daily. Your doctor may advise taking it with low-dose aspirin, typically 81-162 milligrams a day.

The tablet should not be split before consumption. Many similar immediate-release tablets can be divided, follow your doctor’s directions on how to take this medication.

Take prasugrel precisely as prescribed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or take it more frequently. Doing so will not expedite your recovery but increase the likelihood of adverse effects. Similarly, do not discontinue using this medication unless instructed by your doctor.

The prescribed dosage is dependent on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

To obtain the maximum benefit from this medication, take it regularly at the same time each day to assist in remembering.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

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

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• 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

Caution

Prior to taking prasugrel, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergy to it, similar antiplatelet drugs (thienopyridines such as clopidogrel), or any other allergies. This product may include inactive components that can trigger allergic reactions or other complications.

Before utilizing this medication, discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly blood disorders, bleeding issues (such as gastrointestinal or brain hemorrhage), blood clots in the brain, recent major surgery/injury, liver disease, or stomach/intestinal ulcers.

To reduce the possibility of getting cut, bruised, or injured, be cautious with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

This medication may lead to stomach bleeding. The daily use of alcohol while taking this medication increases the risk of stomach bleeding. Limit your alcohol consumption and ask your doctor or pharmacist about the amount of alcohol that is safe to consume.

Older adults may be more vulnerable to the side effects of this medication, particularly bleeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

During pregnancy, this medication should only be used if it is clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor.

Form and Strength

Effient is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Effient tablet:
  • 10mg
• prasugrel tablet:
  • 5mg
  • 10mg

FAQ

How long does it take for Effient to start working?

Effient inhibits platelet aggregation within 15 to 30 minutes and usually peaks at about two hours.

How long do you have to be on Effient after stent placement?

It has been common practice for patients who have had a stent placed to clear a blocked artery to take an anti-clotting drug plus aspirin for 12 months after the procedure.

Resources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2799124/#:~:text=Prasugrel%20inhibits%20platelet%20aggregation%20within,peaks%20at%20about%20two%20hours
2. https://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/health-hub-home/2015/may/how-long-should-you-take-anticlotting-medications-after-getting-a-stent#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20common%20practice,12%20months%20after%20the%20procedure
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20710-prasugrel-oral-tablets
4. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a609027.html
5. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-152682/effient-oral/details
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/prasugrel-oral-route/description/drg-20073095
7. https://www.drugs.com/effient.html