Uses of Prasugrel

Prasugrel is used to treat and prevent blood clot formation in the body. It can also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, angina (chest pain) and other circulatory problems among patients having heart block, stents in the heart or other heart-related complications.

Therapeutic Category

Prasugrel: Antiplatelet agents

How Prasugrel works

Prasugrel is an antiplatelet medication. It prevents the clumping of platelets (a type of blood cells that causes blood clot) within the blood vessels. This reduces the chances of blood clot formation within the blood vessel and improves blood flow within them. As a result, it reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and angina.

Common side effects of Prasugrel

• bleeding in the stomach or bowels
• nose bleeds, blood in urine
• skin rash, small red bruises on the skin (ecchymoses)
• haematoma (bleeding under the skin at the site of an injection, or into a muscle, causing swelling)
• low haemoglobin or red blood cell count (anaemia)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP, such as fever and bruising under the skin which can be seen as red pinpoint dots on the skin, with or without extreme tiredness, confusion and yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• If you experience signs of stroke (sudden numbness or weakness of the arm, leg or face, especially at one side of the body, sudden confusion, difficulty in speaking and walking, sudden dizziness, or severe headache)
• If you experience signs of allergic skin reactions (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, mouth, throat and tongue which causes difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• If you experience rectal bleeding, black or blood-stained stools, bloody urine

Health Tips for Prasugrel

• Avoid hot showers at it may further irritate your skin. Use protective clothing while going outdoors. Consult your doctor for a suitable moisturizer. Do not scratch or rub the affected skin areas