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Vorapaxar

Vorapaxar may cause severe bleeding that can be life-threatening and even cause death. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a stroke or mini-stroke; bleeding in the brain; any type of blood or bleeding disorder; or a stomach ulcer. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take vorapaxar. Also tell your doctor if you currently have any unusual type of bleeding such as bleeding in the head, stomach, or intestines; if you have had a recent surgery or injury;or have kidney or liver disease. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking anagrelide (Agrylin); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex), ketoprofen, and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, others) taken on a regular basis; dabigatran (Pradaxa); dalteparin (Fragmin); enoxaparin (Lovenox); fondaparinux (Arixtra); heparin; rivaroxaban (Xarelto); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft); and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq), milnacipran (Fetzima, Savella), and venlafaxine (Effexor); and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). If you experience any of the following symptoms during your treatment and for at least 4 weeks after you stop taking the medication, call your doctor immediately: bleeding that is unexpected, severe, or that you cannot control; pink, red, or brown urine; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; red or tarry black stools; coughing up blood or blood clots; nosebleeds; headache; dizziness; or weakness.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with vorapaxar and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.

Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking vorapaxar.

🔔 Why is this medication prescribed?

Vorapaxar is used together with other medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix), to reduce the risk of serious or life-threatening heart or blood vessel problems such as heart attack and stroke in people who have already had a heart attack or have problems with the blood flow in their legs. Vorapaxar is in a class of medications called protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) antagonists. It works by preventing platelets (a type of blood cell) from collecting and forming clots that may cause a heart attack or stroke.

See also  Rimegepant

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Vorapaxar comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. Take vorapaxar at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take vorapaxar exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Vorapaxar will only decrease your risk of having a heart attack or stroke as long as you continue to take the medication. Do not stop taking vorapaxar without talking to your doctor.

Part of the reason for these long wait times and short appointments is due to a nationwide shortage of physicians that is only getting worse. A report by the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that, due to population growth and specifically growth of the elderly population, the physician shortfall in the U.S. could reach 121,300 by the year 2030.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

🔔 What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking vorapaxar,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to vorapaxar, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in vorapaxar tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: certain antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox, Onmel), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and posaconazole (Noxafil); boceprevir (Victrelis); carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol); clarithromycin (Biaxin, in PrevPac); conivaptan (Vaprisol); certain medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) such as indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and saquinavir (Invirase); nefazodone; phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); telaprevir (Incivek); and telithromycin (Ketek); Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. Johns wort.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition especially those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking vorapaxar, call your doctor.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking vorapaxar.

🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

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