Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TICLOPIDINE - ORAL

(tie-KLO-pih-deen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ticlid

WARNING: This medication has caused serious blood disorders (agranulocytosis, neutropenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, aplastic anemia) in some people. Symptoms may appear within the first few days of taking this medicine. Immediately tell your doctor if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: fever, weakness/fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, or mental/mood changes. This medication should be discontinued if a serious blood disorder occurs.

Uses

Ticlopidine prevents blood from clotting. It is used to reduce the risk of stroke. It may be also used in combination with aspirin in certain types of procedures (e.g., coronary stent implantation). Ticlopidine should be used only when aspirin has failed to work or if patient cannot use aspirin.

How To Use

Take this medication with food or just after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than prescribed. There will be no additional benefit and the risk of side effects will increase. Do not take antacids within 2 hours of this medication.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, itching, headache and dizziness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Because this medication prevents blood from clotting, it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop while taking this. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: severe or continued diarrhea, skin rash, light colored stools, mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: fever, weakness, speech problems, seizures, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, pale skin, pinpoint bruises. This medication can affect your blood cells causing you to be more prone to developing an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop signs of an infection such as: fever, chills, sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood disorders, ulcers, liver problems, any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medicines you use, especially of: "blood thinners" such as warfarin or heparin, cimetidine, digoxin, theophylline. Do not take with aspirin or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) unless instructed to do so by your doctor. However, certain conditions can be treated with ticlopidine in combination with aspirin if so directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Many nonprescription medicines contain aspirin or NSAIDs, so check your medicine labels carefully. Consult your pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Inform your dentist or any other doctors that you are using this drug. Laboratory/medical tests will be performed periodically to monitor for drug side effects (including blood counts). Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).