TICLOPIDINE HCL

Drug Name: TICLOPIDINE HCL

TICLOPIDINE HCL DESCRIPTION:
TICLOPIDINE - ORAL (tie-KLO-pih-deen)

COMMON TICLOPIDINE HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Ticlid

TICLOPIDINE HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, itching, headache and dizziness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Because TICLOPIDINE HCL prevents blood from clotting, it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop while taking this. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: severe or continued diarrhea, skin rash, light colored stools, mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: fever, weakness, speech problems, seizures, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, pale skin, pinpoint bruises. TICLOPIDINE HCL can affect your blood cells causing you to be more prone to developing an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop signs of an infection such as: fever, chills, sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TICLOPIDINE HCL:
TICLOPIDINE HCL: Take TICLOPIDINE HCL with food or just after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Take TICLOPIDINE HCL exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than prescribed. There will be no additional benefit and the risk of side effects will increase. Do not take antacids within 2 hours of TICLOPIDINE HCL.

TICLOPIDINE HCL WARNING:
TICLOPIDINE HCL has caused serious blood disorders (agranulocytosis, neutropenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, aplastic anemia) in some people. Symptoms may appear within the first few days of taking this medicine. Immediately tell your doctor if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: fever, weakness/fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, or mental/mood changes. TICLOPIDINE HCL should be discontinued if a serious blood disorder occurs.

TICLOPIDINE HCL USES:
Ticlopidine prevents blood from clotting. It is used to reduce the risk of stroke. Ticlopidine should be used only when aspirin has failed to work or if patient cannot use aspirin.

TICLOPIDINE HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of any blood disorders, ulcers, liver problems or any allergies. TICLOPIDINE HCL should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if TICLOPIDINE HCL is excreted into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using TICLOPIDINE HCL. Consult your doctor.

TICLOPIDINE HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medicines you may use, especially anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparins, cimetidine, digoxin or theophylline. Do not take with aspirin or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Many nonprescription products contain these drugs. Consult your pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TICLOPIDINE HCL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

TICLOPIDINE HCL NOTES:
Inform your dentist or any other doctors that you are using TICLOPIDINE HCL. Laboratory/medical tests will be performed periodically to monitor for drug side effects (including blood counts). Do not share TICLOPIDINE HCL with others.

MISSED TICLOPIDINE HCL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

TICLOPIDINE HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.