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.

TIROFIBAN - INJECTABLE

(teer-OH-fih-ban)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aggrastat

Uses

Tirofiban is a type of "blood thinner" used (usually in combination with heparin) to help prevent blood clotting that occurs during certain heart conditions (e.g., acute coronary syndrome) or medical procedures (e.g., 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.

How To Use

Follow all instructions for proper mixing or dilution (if necessary) and refer to the tirofiban dosing chart for the recommended IV dosing. If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Give this medication by vein (IV) as an initial dose (bolus dose) followed by an IV infusion as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Side Effects

Injection site reactions (e.g., minor bleeding, redness, or discomfort) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. 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.

Precautions

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, certain heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., acute pericarditis, aortic dissection, intracranial hemorrhage). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), eye problems (retinal bleeding), any allergies. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effect of the drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription 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). Tirofiban has been used effectively in combination with other "blood thinners" such as aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, and anticoagulants such as heparin. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist regarding which medicines you need to take after leaving the hospital. 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. 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. Symptoms of overdose may include: persistent bleeding.

Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit) may be performed to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

If your dose is stopped or interrupted, contact the doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule/rate.

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degree C) away from light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not freeze.

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).