What is this medication for?
Tirofiban belongs to the family of medications known as anti-platelets,
and specifically to the family of anti-platelets known as GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors.
Platelets are a component of the blood that is very important to blood
clotting. Heart attacks are caused by blood clots that block the required flow
of blood to the heart. Tirofiban is used in combination with heparin (a medication
also used to prevent blood clots) and aspirin to prevent an early heart attack
for people who have unstable angina (chest pain that gets worse with time
and puts one at risk for heart attack) or a type of heart attack known as a
non-Q-wave myocardial infarction.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Aggrastat® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Tirofiban is used in a hospital setting and is administered by infusion.
A needle is inserted into a vein in the arm and the medication is administered
over a period of time. The medication is usually given for a period of at least
48 hours.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Tirofiban should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to tirofiban or any ingredient of the medication
- has active internal bleeding or a history of any factors, such as medical
conditions or medications, that increase bleeding risk
- has had intracranial (in the brain) bleeding or tumor, artery and
vein malformation, or an aneurysm
- has developed thrombocytopenia (low level of platelets) following
previous use of tirofiban or a similar medication
- has any blood clotting disorder or has thrombocytopenia
- has had a stroke within the 30 days before hospitalization or has ever had
a hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke
- has had any major surgical procedure or severe physical trauma within the
previous 6 weeks
- has a history, symptoms, or signs of aortic dissection
- has severe high blood pressure that is not under control
- is using any other injectable medications of the same type as tirofiban
- has liver cirrhosis or significant liver disease
- has angina brought on by obvious provoking factors (e.g., abnormal
heart rhythms, severe anemia, overactive thyroid gland, or low blood pressure)
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