Ticlopidine tablets

What is this medicine?

TICLOPIDINE (tye KLOE pi deen) helps to prevent blood clots. This medicine is used to prevent strokes in patients who have already had a stroke, or those who are at high risk of having a stroke. This medicine may also be used in combination with aspirin to prevent blood clots in patients who have had a coronary stent placed.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food or just after eating to reduce stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• fever

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• paleness

• ringing in the ears

• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

• yellowing of skin or eyes

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

• decreased appetite

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

• agents that dissolve blood clots

• antacids

• antipyrine

• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs

• blood thinners such as warfarin

• cimetidine

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• phenytoin

• propranolol

• theophylline

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

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

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• anemia

• high cholesterol

• history of bleeding disorder

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• stomach ulcer

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Side effects to this medicine occur most frequently during the first 3 months of therapy. To make sure you do not develop any problems, you will need to have blood tests before you start this medicine and then every 2 weeks for the first 3 months.

Notify your doctor or health care professional and seek emergency treatment if you develop breathing problems; changes in vision; chest pain; severe, sudden headache; pain, swelling, warmth in the leg; trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg. These can be signs that your condition has gotten worse.

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

If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.