prasugrel at a glance
Medicine class
Irreversible P2Y12 platelet inhibitor
Licensed role
Prevention of atherothrombotic events in adults with acute coronary syndrome undergoing PCI
Main safety concern
Bleeding, which may take longer than usual to stop
Taking the tablet
May be taken with or without food; swallow whole without crushing or breaking
What is prasugrel used for?
The selected product is licensed, together with aspirin, to prevent atherothrombotic events in adults with acute coronary syndrome who undergo PCI.
Unstable angina undergoing primary or delayed PCI
Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary or delayed PCI
ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary or delayed PCI
How does prasugrel work?
Prasugrel is converted in the body to an active metabolite. This binds irreversibly to platelet P2Y12 ADP receptors, reducing platelet activation and aggregation and therefore the formation of arterial clots.
prasugrel preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg
How to take prasugrel
Take prasugrel exactly as prescribed. Do not stop it without discussing this with the treating team.
It may be taken with or without food.
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole; do not crush or break it.
Tell doctors, dentists and pharmacists that you take prasugrel.
Some blister strips contain a large silica tablet: leave it in the blister and do not swallow it.
prasugrel side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bruising or small red bruises
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding from the stomach, bowel or urine
- Bleeding or a haematoma at a puncture site
- Anaemia
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe, persistent or internal bleeding
- Symptoms suggesting a stroke
- Severe allergic reaction, including angioedema
- Fever, pinpoint bruising, marked tiredness, confusion or jaundice suggesting thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Low platelet count
prasugrel in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited. The product information advises using prasugrel during pregnancy only when the potential benefit to the mother justifies the possible fetal risk, so pregnancy or plans for pregnancy require prompt prescriber review.
prasugrel while breastfeeding
The product information does not recommend prasugrel during breastfeeding because transfer into human milk is unknown. Cautious use may be considered after an individual assessment for a full-term, healthy infant, with monitoring for skin reactions, bruising or prolonged bleeding; specialist advice is appropriate for premature or unwell infants.
prasugrel interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products because several combinations can increase bleeding or affect antiplatelet action.
Warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants
Combined use can increase bleeding risk and requires careful clinical assessment.
NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors
Regular use can increase bleeding risk; this includes medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen and etoricoxib.
Other antiplatelets, oral anticoagulants or fibrinolytics
Additive effects may substantially increase bleeding risk.
Common questions about prasugrel
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is prasugrel used for?
It is used with aspirin to reduce atherothrombotic events in adults with acute coronary syndrome who undergo PCI.
Is prasugrel a blood thinner?
It is an antiplatelet rather than an anticoagulant. It reduces platelets sticking together, which lowers clot formation but increases bleeding risk.
Can prasugrel be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.