What is Aggrastat (Tirofiban)?

Tirofiban keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions.

Tirofiban is used to prevent blood clots or heart attack in people with severe chest pain or other conditions, and in those who are undergoing a procedure called angioplasty (to open blocked arteries).

Tirofiban may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Aggrastat (Tirofiban)?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to tirofiban, or to similar drugs such as abciximab (ReoPro) or eptifibatide (Integrilin), or if you have:

• a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis
• severe liver disease
• a severe form of hypertension (high blood pressure)
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia
• a history of head injury, brain tumor, or blood clot in the brain (aneurysm)
• if you have had a stroke or any type of bleeding within the past 30 days; or
• if you have had any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 6 weeks

Before using tirofiban, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
• stomach ulcer
• high blood pressure
• congestive heart failure; or
• a vision disorder involving the blood vessels in your eyes

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive tirofiban, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Tirofiban is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, aspirin is sometimes given with tirofiban, and aspirin can cause bleeding when it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Aspirin can also cause side effects in a newborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with tirofiban and aspirin.

It is not known whether tirofiban passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Aggrastat Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Aggrastat (Tirofiban)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• nosebleed or other bleeding that will not stop
• black, bloody, or tarry stools
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, fever, and urinating more or less than usual

Less serious side effects may also occur, such as:

• nausea, stomach pain
• runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat; or
• mild headache or dizziness

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Aggrastat Interactions

What other drugs affect Aggrastat (Tirofiban)?

Before receiving tirofiban, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• phenytoin (Dilantin)
• tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
• tolbutamide (Orinase)
• torsemide (Demadex)
• fluvastatin (Lescol)
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, ardeparin (Normiflo), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep); or
• any other medications used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase (Activase), anistreplase (Eminase), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine), streptokinase (Kabikinase, Streptase), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or urokinase (Abbokinase)

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to receive tirofiban, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect tirofiban. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Aggrastat (Tirofiban)?

While you are receiving tirofiban, do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) without your doctor’s advice. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

Tirofiban lowers blood cells that help your blood clot. This can make it easier for you to bruise or bleed from an injury or minor cut. Avoid activities that increase your risk of a bruising or bleeding injury. Use extra caution to avoid cuts when brushing your teeth or shaving.

Avoid drinking alcohol while receiving tirofiban. Alcohol may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

Aggrastat Dosage

How should I take Aggrastat (Tirofiban)?

Tirofiban is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Tirofiban is usually given continuously for at least 2 days.

Tirofiban is sometimes given together with aspirin.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Because tirofiban keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

What happens if I overdose on Aggrastat (Tirofiban)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a tirofiban overdose may include vomiting, feeling exhausted or short of breath, and severe bleeding.

What happens if I miss a dose of Aggrastat (Tirofiban)?

Since tirofiban is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting as needed, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com