Ticlopidine tablets

What are ticlopidine tablets?

TICLOPIDINE (Ticlid®) helps to prevent blood clots. Ticlopidine helps to prevent strokes in patients who have already had a stroke, or those who are at high risk of having a stroke. However, ticlopidine should not used in patients who can take aspirin to prevent a stroke. Ticlopidine is also sometimes used to prevent a heart attack in patients who have already had unstable chest pain or a heart attack. It is also sometimes given with aspirin after certain procedures used to open blocked blood vessels leading to the heart. Generic ticlopidine tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take ticlopidine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• anemia

• bleeding disorder currently or history of one (including aplastic anemia, hemophilia, or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura [TTP])

• blood disease

• high level of cholesterol

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• recent surgery

• stomach ulcer

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ticlopidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take ticlopidine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take with food or milk to help absorb ticlopidine into the body and reduce stomach upset. Avoid antacids for 2 hours before and after the dose of ticlopidine. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with ticlopidine?

• agents that dissolve blood clots

• antacids

• antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen)

• aspirin

• blood thinners such as warfarin

• cimetidine

• cilostazol

• clopidogrel

• cyclosporine

• digoxin

• dipyridamole

• doxercalciferol

• fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements

• herbal or dietary supplements like feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, and horse chestnut

• phenytoin

• prasterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA supplements

• theophylline

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking ticlopidine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Side effects to ticlopidine occur most frequently during the first 3 months of therapy. To make sure you do not develop any problems your health care provider will arrange for you to have blood tests before you start ticlopidine and then every 2 weeks for the first 3 months. It is essential that you keep your appointments for the blood tests. Do not stop taking ticlopidine without your prescriber's advice. If your prescriber decides to stop ticlopidine within the first 3 months, you will still need to have you blood tested for an additional 2 weeks after you have stopped taking ticlopidine.

Ticlopidine can cause serious blood problems. This can mean risk of infection or bleeding. Avoid activities that increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your prescriber or health care professional at once if have any unusual bleeding or bruise easily or an infection that will not get better.

Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth. Inform your dentist you are taking ticlopidine prior to any appointment or procedure.

Ask your prescriber or health care professional before you take non-prescription pain relievers. Do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing products, or antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen unless directed to do so by your prescriber or health care professional.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking ticlopidine.

What side effects may I notice from taking ticlopidine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• low blood counts - ticlopidine may decrease the number of white blood cells and/or platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.

• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine

• signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, nose bleeds, bleeding gums

• dark yellow or brown urine

• difficulty breathing or wheezing

• joint pain or swelling

• paleness

• ringing in the ears

• skin rash or itching (hives)

• stomach pain

• unusually heavy menstrual bleeding

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• weakness on a side of the body

• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• decreased appetite

• diarrhea

• headache

• indigestion

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain, bloating, or discomfort

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.