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Effient (prasugrel) is an antiplatelet medication used in patients at risk of blood clots. It is usually administered, along with aspirin, to patients who have had a stent put in or an angioplasty, though it is sometimes used in other conditions.

This medication should not be used in patients who have had a stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), other bleeding in the head, or stomach or intestinal bleeding.

What to Expect from Effient

Effient is an effective antiplatelet, and even more so when taken along with aspirin (also an antiplatelet). The medication prevents platelets from binding together to form a blood clot, thus largely preventing complications caused by blood clots. This class of drug is distinct from anticoagulants, which delay blood clotting but do not ultimately prevent it from happening. Both antiplatelets and anticoagulants are referred to as blood thinners.

Effient comes in tablets, of which there are only two strengths; 5 mg and 10 mg. The majority of patients take 10 mg, while 5 mg doses are reserved for patients at high risk of complications from the drug; those 75 years of age or older, those who weigh under 60 kg (132 lbs), those with kidney or liver impairment, and so forth. Tablets are taken just once per day, with or without food according to personal preference.

Standard treatment is as follows:

• Start with a 60 mg loading dose, taken just once.
• Every day after, take 10 mg per day.
• Some patients should take 5 mg per day instead.

Aspirin is usually prescribed along with Effient, 75 to 325 mg per day, as determined by a doctor. Both medications should be taken for as long as the doctor recommends, which can be somewhat variable depending on the purpose and patient response to treatment.

Warnings before Use

While this product is very beneficial in some scenarios, at other times it is a drawback, and some patients should not take Effient at all.

Avoid use of Effient if there is a history of:

• Stomach or intestinal bleeding
• Stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or other bleeding in the head

Patients should discuss risks and warning signs with a doctor before use if:

• Age 75 or over
• Weigh under 132 pounds (60 kg)
• Take other blood thinners, antiplatelets or anticoagulants
• Routinely use NSAIDs
• Have a stomach ulcer
• Have moderate to severe liver or kidney problems
• Have recently had a major injury or surgery

All patients should contact a doctor right away if experiencing:

• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Inability to control bleeding
• Blood in urine (pink or brown urine)
• Blood in stools (red or black stool)
• Coughing or vomiting blood

Because the blood will clot poorly, any kind of surgery---including dental surgery---should be avoided if at all possible while taking Effient. The medication should be stopped at least 1 week prior to surgery, and not be taken for several weeks after surgery, depending on how serious it is and how quickly the patient heals.

Effient can interact with some other medications, especially other blood thinners and NSAIDs, but other treatments as well. Patients are encouraged to check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments while taking Effient.