You should not take Effient if you have active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain, if you have ever had a stroke or "mini-stroke", or if you are scheduled to have surgery, especially heart bypass surgery.
Effient increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop, if you have black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time before any surgery or dental treatment. Do not stop taking Effient unless your doctor tells you to.
While you are taking Effient, do not take 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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Effient if you are allergic to prasugrel, or if you have:
active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury);
a history of stroke, including TIA ("mini-stroke"); or
if you are scheduled to have surgery, especially heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
To make sure Effient is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a stomach ulcer, colon polyps, or diverticulosis;
bleeding problems;
surgery, an injury, or a medical emergency;
liver or kidney disease;
if you are allergic to clopidogrel or ticlopidine;
if you weigh less than 132 pounds (60 kilograms); or
if you also use other medicines to treat or prevent blood clots.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I take Effient?
Take Effient exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. If you also take aspirin, follow your doctor's instructions about how much to take and for how long.
Effient can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Because Effient keeps your blood from clotting, this medicine can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Seek emergency medical attention if you have any bleeding that will not stop.
Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery or dental work.
Do not stop using Effient without your doctor's advice, even if you feel fine. Stopping this medicine too soon may increase your risk of a blood clot, heart attack, or death.
Store Effient at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.
