Aggrenox is used to prevent a stroke. Strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked by blood clots. This medication will thin the blood and help prevent blood clots from forming. It is only given when there is a high risk that a stroke may occur.
This medication is available only through your doctor’s prescription.
As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much Aggrenox will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.
For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Use in children and teenagers is not recommended because of aspirin’s toxicity.
Geriatric Usage: Up-to-date studies have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that would limit the use of this medication in the elderly population.
Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category D. This means that studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the unborn child. However, the benefits of this medication in a life-threatening situation or serious disease may outweigh the potential risk.
Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive.Using this medication with any of the following is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication, or change some of the other medications you take:
RiociguatUsing this medication with any of the following medication is not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.Your doctor may make the decision not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medications you take:
WarfarinUsing this medication with any of the following medications may increase your risk of side effects. However, using both medications may be the best treatment for you. If both medications are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take one or both medications:
Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.Using this medication with any of the following is not normally recommended, but may be unavoidable. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take your medication, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol or tobacco:
Ethanol
Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication. Be sure to tellyour doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Reye’s Syndrome (metabolic disorder) - Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
3 Proper Usage
Only take Aggrenox as directed by your doctor. Do not take more, less or for a longer or shorter period of time than your doctor tells you.
This medication works best if there is a constant amount in the bloodstream. To keep blood levels constant, take this medication at the same time each day and do not miss any doses.
This medication comes with a patient information brochure. It is very important that your read this information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Swallow the capsules whole. Do not break, crush or chew them. You may take this medication with or without food. If you have a severe headache after taking this medication, inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor may temporarily change your dose.
Dosing
Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.
The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
For oral dosing forms:
Adults - One capsule twice a day, taken once in the morning and once in the evening.
Children - Use is not recommended.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medication, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double-dose.
Storage
Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away form heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.
4 Precautions To Take
It is very important that your doctor checks in with you often while you are receiving Aggrenox to make sure that it is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted side effects.
Using this medication while pregnant can harm your unborn child. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from becoming pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while on this medication, inform your doctor immediately.
Aspirin and dipyridamole combination provide better protection against the formation of blood clots than either of the medications used alone. However, the risk of bleeding may also be increased.
To reduce the risk of bleeding:
Do not take aspirin, or any combination medication that contains aspirin, in addition to this medication unless the same doctor that ordered it tells you.
If you need a medication to relieve pain or a fever, your doctor may not want you to take extra aspirin. It is a good idea to discuss this with your doctor, so you will know what to take ahead of time.
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting (syncope) may occur, especially when getting up from a lying to sitting position quickly. Getting up slowly may help. If this problem continues or gets worse, inform your doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
Do not take any other prescription or over the counter medications unless you discuss it with your doctor.
Aggrenox may produce unwanted affects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:
Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:
Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects. Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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