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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about Effient?

Effient^® (prasugrel) can cause bleeding. If you have unexplained or excessive bleeding while on Effient, contact your doctor right away as some bleeding can be serious, and sometimes fatal. Do not take Effient if you currently have abnormal bleeding, such as stomach or intestinal bleeding, bleeding in your head, or have a history of stroke, or “mini-stroke” (also known as transient ischemic attack or TIA).

Get medical help right away if you suddenly have slurring of speech, weakness or numbness in one part of your body, blurry vision, and/or severe headache. These may be symptoms of a stroke or TIA. If you have a stroke or TIA while taking Effient, your doctor will probably stop your Effient.

Before having any surgery, you should talk to your doctor about stopping Effient. If possible, Effient should be stopped at least 1 week (7 days) before any surgery, as instructed by the doctor who prescribed Effient for you.

You may also have a higher risk of bleeding if you take Effient and you: a) are age 75 or older, b) weigh less than 132 pounds, c) are taking anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or regular daily use of NSAIDs, d) have had recent trauma, such as an accident or surgery, e) have severe liver problems, or f) have a stomach ulcer.

Do not stop taking Effient without talking to the doctor who prescribes it for you. People who are treated with angioplasty and have a stent, and stop taking Effient too soon, have a higher risk of a blood clot in the stent, having a heart attack, or dying.

What should I tell my doctor before taking Effient?

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines you are taking.

What are the possible side effects of Effient?

Bleeding is the most common side effect of Effient.

TTP, a rare but life-threatening condition, has been reported with Effient, sometimes after a short time (less than 2 weeks). Get medical attention right away if you develop the following unexpected symptoms of TTP: fever, weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or if skin becomes very pale or dotted with purple spots.

Serious allergic reactions can happen with Effient, or if you have had a serious allergic reaction to the medicines Plavix^® (clopidogrel) or ticlopidine. Get medical help right away if you get any of these symptoms of a severe allergic reaction: swelling or hives of your face, lips, in or around your mouth, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, chest pain or pressure, dizziness or fainting.

Other side effects may occur. For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information about Effient, please see the Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning regarding bleeding risk, and Medication Guide.

PGDTCISI03Oct2011.

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Understanding Your Heart Medications

Effient^® (prasugrel) is an oral antiplatelet (OAP) medicine specifically for patients who have undergone an angioplasty procedure to open up a blocked heart artery after experiencing a heart attack or heart-related chest pain at rest (unstable angina). Effient is different from other heart medications, like prescription blood pressure or cholesterol medicines.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Medicines

Antihypertensives are taken to lower high blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, often referred to as the "silent killer," can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, or kidney failure. There are several classes of medications used to treat blood pressure. Some of these classes, which can be used to treat a variety of illnesses, are listed below:

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Relax and expand blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily
Increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart
Allow the heart to work more easily and efficiently

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB)

Help blood vessels relax
Increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle

Beta Blockers

Slow the heart rate
Improve the ability of the heart itself to relax

Calcium Channel Blockers

Help the heart and blood vessel muscles to relax
Slow the heart rate
Lower blood pressure

Diuretics

Help your body get rid of unneeded water and salt through your urine
Make it easier for your heart to pump

Cholesterol Medicines

Cholesterol-lowering medications help reduce levels of unwanted blood cholesterol and may be helpful if given soon after a heart event to improve the chances of survival. Examples of cholesterol-lowering medications include:

Statins

Block the production of cholesterol
Help decrease blockages in the arteries

Only your doctor can decide which medications are right for you.
For more information on any of your medications, always ask your doctor.

Read about a clinical study involving Effient.

Get tips on keeping your heart healthy.

Effient is indicated to help reduce the risk of a future heart-related event, such as a heart attack or stent clot, in patients who had an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event that was treated with angioplasty. The loading dose of Effient is 60 mg and the maintenance dose is 10 mg once daily. Effient is available in 5-mg and 10-mg tablets.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about Effient?

What should I tell my doctor before taking Effient?

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines you are taking.

What are the possible side effects of Effient?

Bleeding is the most common side effect of Effient.

Other side effects may occur. For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information about Effient, please see the Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning regarding bleeding risk, and Medication Guide.

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