Aggrastat (Tirofiban) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 23, 2012

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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) »

Introduction to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Arteries have thin muscles within their walls to be able to withstand the pressure of the heart pumping blood to the far reaches of the body. Veins don't have a significant muscle lining, and there is nothing pumping blood back to the heart except physiology. Blood returns to the heart because the body's large muscles squeeze the veins as they contract in their normal activity of moving the body. The normal activities of moving the body returns the blood back to the heart.

There are two types of veins in the leg; superficial veins and deep veins. Superficial veins lie just below the skin and are easily seen on the surface. Deep veins, as their name implies, are located deep within the muscles of the leg. Blood flows from the superficial veins into the deep venous system through small perforator veins. Superficial and perforator veins have one-way valves within them that allow blood to flow only in the direc...

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Aggrastat Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving tirofiban (Aggrastat)?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to tirofiban, or to similar drugs such as abciximab (ReoPro) or eptifibatide (Integrilin), or if you have:

a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis;
severe liver disease;
a severe form of hypertension (high blood pressure);
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia;
a history of head injury, brain tumor, or blood clot in the brain (aneurysm);
if you have had a stroke or any type of bleeding within the past 30 days; or
if you have had any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 6 weeks.

Before using tirofiban, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
stomach ulcer;
high blood pressure;
congestive heart failure; or
a vision disorder involving the blood vessels in your eyes.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive tirofiban, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Tirofiban is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, aspirin is sometimes given with tirofiban, and aspirin can cause bleeding when it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Aspirin can also cause side effects in a newborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with tirofiban and aspirin.

It is not known whether tirofiban passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is tirofiban given (Aggrastat)?

Tirofiban is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Tirofiban is usually given continuously for at least 2 days.

Tirofiban is sometimes given together with aspirin.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Because tirofiban keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

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