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Aggrenox |
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What is Aggrenox and why is it prescribed? Aggrenox is prescribed to stave off a stroke in people who have had a "mini-stroke" or a full-scale stroke due to a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain. Both the ingredients in Aggrenox prevent the formation of clots by interfering with the tendency of blood platelets to clump together. However, the two ingredients together are more effective at preventing strokes than either ingredient taken alone. Aggrenox doesn't eliminate the possibility of a stroke but it does reduce the odds by almost six percentage points during the first two years of treatment. Because of the aspirin in Aggrenox, this product cannot be used by people who have an allergy to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn, or by people who suffer asthma attacks after taking aspirin. How should you take Aggrenox? Follow your doctors directions for taking Aggrenox. Aggrenox should be taken once in the morning and once in the evening. The capsule should be swallowed whole without chewing. Aggrenox may be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Aggrenox at room temperature and protect from excessive moisture. Are there any Aggrenox side effects? Aggrenox side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Aggrenox side effects may include abdominal pain, back pain, bleeding, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, indigestion, joint pain, nausea, pain, and vomiting. Less common Aggrenox side effects may include amnesia, anemia, arthritis, black bowel movements, bruising, chest pain, confusion, convulsions, coughing, fainting, flu-like symptoms, heart failure, hemorrhoids, joint disease, muscle aches, nosebleed, rectal bleeding, sleepiness, stomach bleeding, tumors, upper respiratory tract infection, weakness, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Aggrenox? If Aggrenox is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Aggrenox with ACE inhibitors (heart and blood pressure medications such as Capoten and Vasotec), Acetazolamide (Diamox), Blood pressure medications classified as beta-blockers (including Inderal, Sectral, and Tenormin), Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin), Gout medications (such as Benemid and Anturane), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil, Motrin, and Indocin), Oral diabetes drugs (such as Diabinese and Micronase), Seizure medications (such as Depakene and Dilantin), or Water pills (such as Lasix and HydroDiuril). If you suffer from the muscle disease myasthenia gravis, treatment with Aggrenox may interfere with your drug therapy. Are there any special warnings about Aggrenox? The aspirin in Aggrenox can cause stomach bleeding. You should avoid this drug if you have a stomach ulcer, and should use it with care if you have liver disease or any kind of bleeding disorder. Also, be sure to tell the doctor that you are taking Aggrenox if you have a medical emergency or plan to have surgery or dental work. The dipyridamole in Aggrenox causes blood vessels to expand and should be used cautiously by people with heart disease, especially those with chest pain or a recent heart attack. It can make chest pain worse and trigger episodes of very low blood pressure. |
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