Vorapaxar oral tablets

What is this medicine?

VORAPAXAR (vor" a pax' ar) helps to prevent blood clots. It is used in patients with a previous heart attack or blockages in the arteries of the legs to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or the need for procedures to restore blood flow to the heart.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

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

• signs and symptoms of anemia such as breathing problems; dizziness; unusually weak or tired

• 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

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

• depressed mood

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

• boceprevir

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin and telithromycin

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, and posaconazole

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine and phenytoin

• certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin, apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban

• conivaptan

• nefazodone

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

• rifampin

• St. John's Wort

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 these conditions:

• bleeding disorders

• bleeding in the brain

• history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• planned surgery

• stomach or intestinal ulcer

• an unusual or allergic reaction to vorapaxar, 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 check ups. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

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.

Avoid sports and activities that might cause injury while you are using this medicine. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your doctor or health care professional.

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