Apagrel

Apagrel belongs to a group of medicines called antiplatelets or blood thinners. It helps prevent the formation of harmful blood clots and keeps the blood flowing smoothly through your body. This lowers the chances of another heart attack or stroke in people with heart disease. Apagrel is used to treat people with a recent heart attack or severe heart-related chest pain (unstable angina), who have undergone stenting of the heart. It helps to prevent serious heart-related problems like having another heart attack, stroke, or formation of blood clots in stents. Your doctor will also prescribe aspirin, another antiplatelet medicine, along with it. This medicine may be taken with or without food and should be taken regularly at the same time each day. It is important to keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. If you stop taking this medicine, it may increase your chances of having another heart attack or stroke. The most common side effect seen with this medicine is bleeding. This may be in the form of bruising, nose bleeds, blood in urine or stools (black colored stools), or heavier periods than usual in women. If you cut or injure yourself, it may take longer than usual for the bleeding to stop. Such episodes of bleeding are usually mild and resolve on their own. However, you should consult your doctor straight away if the bleeding persists or worries you. This medicine is not suitable for some people. Do not take it if you are bleeding from anywhere in the body such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding within the brain, or if you have severe liver problems. Before taking it, you should let your doctor know if you have ever had a problem with your blood not clotting properly or if you have recently had a serious injury or surgery. This medicine may need to be stopped temporarily before planned surgery or dental treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Apagrel may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Apagrel is an antiplatelet medication. It works by preventing platelets from sticking together, thereby decreasing the formation of harmful blood clots. This lowers the chances of another heart attack or stroke.

If you miss a dose of Apagrel, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.