6 mins read

Uses

What is prasugrel used for?

Prasugrel is commonly used to lower the risk of having a heart attack or other serious problem with your heart or blood vessels in any of the following situations.

  • You have previously had a heart attack
  • You have a condition called acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which includes a variety of conditions related to decreased blood flow to the heart
  • You have a stent, which is a small mesh tube that is inserted into a blood vessel to help keep it open

Prasugrel may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does prasugrel work (mechanism of action)?

Prasugrel prevents platelets in your blood from sticking together. This helps prevent the formation of blood clots that can block the flow of blood to your heart and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

How is prasugrel supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Effient 

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mg, 10 mg oral tablets

How should I store prasugrel?

Prasugrel should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place (not in the bathroom), in the original container, and keep the dessicant (drying agent) in the container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of prasugrel?

The most common side effects of prasugrel are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Bruising and bleeding more easily, including nose bleeds and taking longer than usual for bleeding to stop

There may be other side effects of prasugrel that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of prasugrel?

While less common, the most serious side effects of prasugrel are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Prasugrel may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking prasugrel and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Bleeding. Prasugrel can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some patients with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking prasugrel.

  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black stools (poop that looks like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots
  • Unexpected bleeding or bleeding that lasts longer than normal
  • Bruises without a known cause or bruises that are getting bigger not smaller

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP). Prasugrel can lead to a serious problem with blood clotting, called TTP. TTP is when blood clots form in some parts of your bloodstream, which causes a loss of platelets in the rest of the blood (thrombocytopenia). TTP needs to be treated right away in the hospital and can lead to death. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms without another explanation.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Changes in your vision
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Headache, confusion, or slurred speech
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Purplish spots (purpura) on the skin or in the mouth due to bleeding under the skin
  • Low amount of pee or pee that is pink or has blood in it

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use prasugrel?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take prasugrel.

  • Prasugrel
  • Effient
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific prasugrel products they stock.

Bleeding Problems. People who are bleeding should not take prasugrel. This includes, for example, stomach ulcers that are bleeding and intracranial (brain) bleeding. Intracranial bleeding is a type of stroke, which would be managed by emergency personnel.  

Prior Stroke. People who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini stroke, should not take prasugrel.

What should I know about prasugrel before using it?

Do not take prasugrel unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share prasugrel with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep prasugrel out of the reach of children.

Do not break the tablet.

Do not stop taking prasugrel without first discussing it with the healthcare provider who prescribed it.

Tell all healthcare providers that you are taking prasugrel before they perform any procedure or surgery that may cause bleeding.

Tell all healthcare providers to contact the healthcare provider who prescribed prasugrel before stopping this medicine. 

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you fall or have any injuries, especially if you injure your head.

People who weigh less than 132 pounds (60 kg) can be at greater risk for some side effects from prasugrel. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you fall into this weight category.

People who are 75 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from prasugrel. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using prasugrel?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if prasugrel is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergies to Medicines. Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines, especially medicines called thienopyridines, such as clopidogrel (Plavix ).

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Bleeding or if you have a disorder that makes you more likely to bleed.
  • A previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (sometimes called a mini-stroke)
  • Stomach ulcers, colon polyps, or diverticulosis
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Recent severe injury or surgery

Scheduled Surgery or Procedure. Tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you have a scheduled surgery or dental procedure, or if you think you will have heart surgery in the near future. Your healthcare provider will instruct you if you should stop taking prasugrel before your procedure.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how prasugrel could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if prasugrel passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take prasugrel while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does prasugrel interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between prasugrel and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect prasugrel, but both prasugrel and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does prasugrel interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using prasugrel.

  • Warfarin, which is a blood thinner
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, or fentanyl, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with prasugrel. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much prasugrel?

If you or someone else has used too much prasugrel, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of prasugrel?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.