TIROZEST
What is Tirofiban?
Tirofiban is a type of "blood thinner" usually used in combination with heparin to help prevent blood clotting that occurs during certain heart conditions (e.g. acute coronary syndrome), or in medical procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Tirofiban works by preventing platelets in the blood from sticking to each other. When platelets stick to each other, this can cause blood clots that may lead to medical complications.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Tirofiban:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney disease, low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), eye problems (retinal bleeding), or any allergies.
This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: recent or current bleeding, recent spinal (epidural) puncture/anesthesia, history of stroke (within 30 days or any history of hemorrhagic stroke), history of aneurysms or brain tumors, recent surgery or injury (within 30 days), severe high blood pressure, and certain heart or blood vessel problems (e.g. acute pericarditis, aortic dissection, or intracranial hemorrhage).
Moreover, tell your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription medication you may use, especially other "blood thinning" medications (e.g. aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, heparin, warfarin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, or thrombolytics such as alteplase).
This drug is not recommended for use with other drugs similar to tirofiban (other GP 2b3a inhibitors such as abciximab or eptifibatide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Injection site reactions such as minor bleeding, redness, or discomfort may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur:
- Easy/persistent bruising or bleeding
- Pink or red-colored urine
- Black stool
- Coffee-ground vomit
- One-sided weakness
- Vision problems
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
- Swelling
- Tingling
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Numbness
- Difficulty urinating
- Unusually slow heartbeat
- Pain (especially in the pelvis or legs)
- Dizziness, fever
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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