Click one of the questions from the list below to find the answer.

• Get to know Effient
• How is Effient different from other medicines?
• What are the possible side effects of Effient?
• How do I take Effient?
• How do I store Effient?
• How was Effient studied?

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). When taken with aspirin Effient is clinically proven to help reduce the risk of future heart attacks. This means that Effient can help maintain your stent by keeping the platelets in your blood from sticking together and forming blood clots inside of it, and inside the arteries of your heart.

Your doctor likely prescribed that you take Effient along with aspirin. Aspirin is also an antiplatelet medicine. But it helps protect you in a different way than prescription antiplatelet medicines like Effient.

Together, Effient and aspirin help reduce your risk for another serious problem with your heart or blood vessels such as another heart attack, a stroke, blood clot in your stent or death.

Antiplatelet medicines like Effient reduce the ability of blood to clot, which is good when it comes to your stent and the arteries of your heart. On the other hand, because your blood doesn't clot as well, antiplatelet medicines can also increase the risk of bleeding. Bleeding is the most common side effect of Effient. Some bleeding can be life-threatening and even fatal. See the Safety and Side Effects section to learn more about the safety profile of Effient.

Each medicine plays its own unique role in your treatment, and each is important to your heart health.

Your doctor prescribed Effient because it works to help reduce the risk of blood clots forming and causing dangerous blockages inside your stent and the arteries of your heart - which is a major concern among cardiologists.

Medications for things like high blood pressure and high cholesterol do not reduce the risk of blood clots inside your stent and heart arteries. These medicines help keep your heart healthy in other ways. That's why it's very important to help protect your stent and heart arteries with Effient.

Tell your doctor about any medical conditions or allergies you may have as well as any medicines you are taking. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have questions about Effient or other medications you're taking.

When to call the doctor
Bleeding is the most common side effect of Effient. Some bleeding can be life-threatening, and even fatal. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following:

• unexpected bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time
• bleeding that is severe or you cannot control
• pink or brown urine
• red or black stool (looks like tar)
• bruises that happen without a known cause or get larger
• cough up blood or blood clots
• vomit blood or your vomit looks like "coffee grounds"

A blood clotting problem called Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP). TTP can happen with Effient, sometimes after a short time (less than 2 weeks). TTP is a blood clotting problem where blood clots form in blood vessels and can happen all over the body. TTP needs to be treated in a hospital right away, because you may die. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms and they cannot be explained by another medical condition:

• purplish spots called purpura on the skin or mucous membranes (such as on the mouth) due to bleeding under the skin
• paleness or jaundice (a yellowish color of the skin or eyes)
• feeling tired or weak
• fever
• fast heart rate or feeling short of breath
• headache, speech changes, confusion, coma, stroke, or seizure
• low amount of urine, or urine that is pink-tinged or has blood in it
• stomach area (abdominal) pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• visual changes

Serious allergic reactions can happen with Effient, or if you have had a serious allergic reaction to the medicines clopidogrel (Plavix^®) or ticlopidine (Ticlid^®). Get medical help right away if you get any of these symptoms of a severe allergic reaction while taking Effient:

• 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

What you can do at home
Some people may bruise more easily, develop nosebleeds, or notice that cuts take longer to stop bleeding. Here are things you can try to reduce the risk of these events:

• Try using a soft toothbrush that's a little easier on your gums
• Consider shaving with an electric razor to reduce minor cuts
• You may want to gently blow your nose, and/or moisturize your nostrils with a saline spray or petroleum jelly if they are unusually dry
• Consider taking it easy around the house. You can also make some adjustments in your home to avoid bumps and bruises

Bleeding is not the only side effect of Effient.

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Effient. If you have any problems or questions while taking Effient, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. See the Safety and Side Effects section to learn more about the safety profile of Effient.

Please read the Safety Information and Boxed Warning and Medication Guide to learn more about the safety of Effient.

It is important to take Effient exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose of Effient for you. It is also important to get your refills on time so you do not run out of medicine.

When taking Effient:

• Take Effient exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• Take Effient one time each day
• You can take Effient with or without food
• Take Effient with aspirin as instructed by your doctor
• Your doctor will decide how long you should take Effient. Do not stop taking Effient without first talking to the doctor who prescribed it for you
• If you miss a dose, take Effient as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Just take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time unless your doctor tells you to
• If you take too much Effient, call your local emergency room or poison control center right away

For proper storage and handling of Effient, make sure you:

• Keep Effient at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C)
• Keep Effient in the container it comes in
• Keep the container closed tightly with the gray cylinder inside
• Protect Effient from moisture

Keep Effient and all medicines out of the reach of children.

You may have heard of another oral antiplatelet medicine called Plavix^® (clopidogrel bisulfate). Effient and Plavix were tested in a clinical study that involved 13,608 patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent angioplasty. In this study, about half of the patients received Effient and aspirin, and the other half received Plavix and aspirin. On average, patients in the study were treated for about 15 months.

Please read the Safety Information and Boxed Warning and Medication Guide.

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