Brand Names: Amicar

Generic Name: aminocaproic acid (Pronunciation: a MEE noe ka PROE ik AS id)

• What is aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?
• What are the possible side effects of aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?
• What is the most important information I should know about aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?
• How should I use aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Amicar)?
• What happens if I overdose (Amicar)?
• What should I avoid while taking aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?
• What other drugs will affect aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?

Aminocaproic acid is a man-made form of a protein that occurs naturally in the body and helps the blood clot.

Aminocaproic acid is used to treat bleeding episodes in people with certain medical conditions such as aplastic anemia (lack of blood cells and platelets), cirrhosis of the liver, placenta abruptio (early separation of the placenta in pregnancy), urinary bleeding, and certain types of cancer. Aminocaproic acid is also used to prevent bleeding after heart surgery or placement of a shunt near the liver to control high blood pressure

Aminocaproic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Amicar 500 mg

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Aminocaproic Acid 500 mg-VER

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What are the possible side effects of aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using aminocaproic acid and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• sudden cough, rapid breathing, fast heart rate;
• pain or swelling in one or both legs;
• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;
• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• slow heart rate, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
• numbness or tingling in your arms or legs;
• easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; or
• confusion, hallucinations;

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild muscle pain or weakness;
• headache, tired feeling;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• (in men) decreased amount of semen when having an orgasm;
• stuffy nose, watery eyes
• vision problems, ringing in your ears; or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Amicar (aminocaproic acid) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about aminocaproic acid (Amicar)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it. Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have other conditions that would prevent you from safely using aminocaproic acid.

Before you use aminocaproic acid, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or a history of stroke or blood clot.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood cells and kidney function may need to be tested often. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor for blood or urine tests.

Tell your doctor if you also use any clotting medications such as factor IX complex or anti-inhibitor coagulant complex (Autoplex, Feiba VH).

Stop taking aminocaproic acid and call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as sudden numbness or weakness, pain or swelling in your legs, sudden cough, feeling short of breath, muscle tenderness or weakness with flu symptoms and dark colored urine, swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all, sudden headache or confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance.

Do not give this medication to a child.