Aggrastat

(Tirofiban Hydrochloride)

The active ingredient in Aggrastat is tirofiban hydrochloride monohydrate.

Aggrastat works by preventing platelets in the blood from clumping together and forming harmful clots. It blocks the glycoprotein or GP IIb/IIIa receptors on platelets, which are essential for platelet aggregation. By inhibiting this final common pathway of clot formation, Aggrastat helps reduce the risk of heart attack or other clot-related complications, especially in people with acute coronary syndromes or those undergoing certain heart procedures.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labelling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Aggrastat. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Aggrastat:

• Aggrastat is given as an intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional.
• Treatment usually begins with a bolus dose followed by a continuous maintenance infusion.
• The infusion rate is based on body weight and kidney function.
• Aggrastat is commonly used in patients undergoing angiography or angioplasty.
• Platelet count, kidney function, and signs of bleeding are monitored closely.
• The medication is used for a limited period in the hospital setting only.
• Aggrastat is approved for use in adults. It is not approved for pediatric patients.

Some mild or common side effects of Aggrastat include:

• Minor bleeding, mainly at the access site for cardiac catheterization.
• Bruising.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Low platelet count.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Aggrastat. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Major bleeding, including internal bleeding.
• Severe thrombocytopenia with very low platelet counts.
• Other bleeding complications, such as retroperitoneal bleeding.
• Allergic reactions, including hypersensitivity.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Aggrastat. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Aggrastat, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• A history of bleeding disorders.
• Active internal bleeding.
• Concomitant use of Aggrastat with fibrinolytics, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet drugs increases the risk of bleeding.
• Low platelet count or a history of thrombocytopenia.
• Recent surgery or trauma.
• Severe renal impairment or reduced creatinine clearance.
• A history of stroke.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Aggrastat should not be used in individuals with:

• Active internal bleeding.
• A history of severe thrombocytopenia related to glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors.
• Known hypersensitivity to tirofiban or any component of the formulation.
• Recent major surgery or trauma with high bleeding risk.

Aggrastat begins working quickly after the initial bolus dose. Platelet inhibition occurs within minutes, which is important during acute coronary events and procedures such as angioplasty.

When Aggrastat is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Heparin, which increases the risk of bleeding.
• Anticoagulants, which further affect clotting.
• Antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, which raise the bleeding risk.
• Thrombolytic agents significantly increase bleeding complications.
• Other glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors should not be used together.
• Furosemide.
• Nitroglycerin.

Aggrastat is supplied as:

12.5 mg/250mL (50 mcg/mL) in a 250 mL bag

5 mg/100mL (50 mcg/mL) in 100 mL vial

3.75 mg/15mL (250 mcg/mL) in 15 mL bolus vial

Dosing is based on body weight and kidney function and is calculated by healthcare professionals in mcg/kg/min.

It should be stored at room temperature, away from the reach of children or pets.

Aggrastat is manufactured by Medicure Pharma.

Yes, tirofiban hydrochloride is available as a generic medication.

Do not discontinue without speaking to a healthcare professional once the prescribed infusion period is complete or if serious bleeding or adverse reactions occur. Do not attempt to stop treatment on your own.

There are limited data on use in pregnant women, and Aggrastat should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.

It is not known if tirofiban passes into human milk, and Aggrastat should only be used while breastfeeding if clearly needed.