Have you ever been prescribed a medicine called Ticlopidine by your doctor? Maybe your mother, father, or a family member has. This is a special medicine that is usually given to prevent blood clots in our veins. So today, we will talk very simply about what we need to know when taking this medicine, what we need to be careful about, and what side effects may occur.
What kind of medicine is Ticlopidine?
Simply put, this is a medicine that stops the platelets in our blood from sticking together and clotting. When blood clots stop forming in this way, the risk of blood vessel blockages is reduced.
Doctors mainly recommend this medicine for the following situations:
- To prevent stroke: To prevent a person who has had a previous stroke from having another one.
- For those at high risk of stroke: Patients whose doctor has determined that they are at high risk of stroke.
- For those who have had a coronary stent placed in the heart: After a stent is placed in the blood vessels of the heart, it is usually given with a medication such as aspirin to prevent blood clots from forming inside it and blocking it again.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before you start taking this medication, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about any conditions you have in your body, as this information will determine whether this medication is suitable for you or not.
If you have any of these things, be sure to tell your doctor:
- Anemia
- Increased blood cholesterol levels
- If you have a history of bleeding disorders
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Stomach ulcer
- If you have an allergic reaction to ticlopidine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- If a mother is breastfeeding her child
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The way you use this medicine is very important.
- Take with food: Always take this medicine with a meal and a glass of water. Do not take on an empty stomach.
- Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not change the dosage: Never reduce, increase, or stop taking the prescribed dose without your doctor's advice.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Important! This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, it can be dangerous. If this happens, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with Ticlopidine
If you are taking other medications while taking this medicine, interactions may occur between the two, changing the way Ticlopidine works or increasing side effects. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Type of medicine | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| Blood thinners | Medicines like Warfarin and Aspirin |
| Painkillers (NSAIDs) | Pain and swelling medications such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac |
| Medicines for gastritis | Cimetidine, Antacids (such as Diazine, Enacid) |
| Other medications | Medicines like Phenytoin, Propranolol, Theophylline |
Things to be aware of and side effects when taking medication
You need to be a little more careful about your health while taking this medicine.
Medical tests
When you start taking this medicine, especially during the first 3 months, your doctor will check you regularly. He or she will also ask you to do blood tests. This is to check if the medicine is working properly for you and if there are any problems. So don't skip these tests.
Risk of bleeding
Because this medication controls blood clotting, even a minor cut may take longer to bleed than usual. Therefore, be very careful when using sharp objects, shaving, and doing activities that could cause you to fall or get injured.
Surgery and dental treatment
If you are going to have any surgery or treatment, such as a tooth extraction, you should tell your doctor or dentist in advance that you are taking Ticlopidine. You will usually be asked to temporarily stop taking this medicine a few days before the surgery.
Side effects
Like any medicine, Ticlopidine can cause side effects in some people.
| Possible side effects of Ticlopidine | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately: | |
| |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist: | |
|
How do you keep your medicine safe?
To maintain the quality of medicines, they must be stored correctly.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and light.
- Keep the cap of the medicine bottle or packet tightly closed.
- Do not use expired medications. It is best to ask your doctor how to dispose of expired or no longer needed medications.
Take-Home Message
- Ticlopidine is a powerful medicine that prevents blood clots. Always take it at the exact dose and time prescribed by your doctor.
- Always take this medicine with a meal. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach.
- Never skip the blood tests your doctor prescribes, especially in the first 3 months.
- Just be aware of signs of bleeding, such as bruising and black stools. If you see any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
- Inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine before any surgery or dental treatment.
- This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
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