Tirofiban keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions.

Tirofiban is used to prevent blood clots or heart attack in people with severe chest pain or other conditions, and in those who are undergoing a procedure called angioplasty (to open blocked arteries).

Tirofiban may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Tirofiban is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Tirofiban is usually given continuously for at least 2 days.

Tirofiban is sometimes given together with aspirin.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Because tirofiban keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

Before receiving tirofiban, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• phenytoin (Dilantin);

• tamoxifen (Nolvadex);

• tolbutamide (Orinase);

• torsemide (Demadex);

• fluvastatin (Lescol);

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, ardeparin (Normiflo), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep); or

• any other medications used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase (Activase), anistreplase (Eminase), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine), streptokinase (Kabikinase, Streptase), sulfinpyrazone (Anturane), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or urokinase (Abbokinase).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to receive tirofiban, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect tirofiban. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

While you are receiving tirofiban, do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) without your doctor’s advice. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

Tirofiban lowers blood cells that help your blood clot. This can make it easier for you to bruise or bleed from an injury or minor cut. Avoid activities that increase your risk of a bruising or bleeding injury. Use extra caution to avoid cuts when brushing your teeth or shaving.

Avoid drinking alcohol while receiving tirofiban. Alcohol may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a tirofiban overdose may include vomiting, feeling exhausted or short of breath, and severe bleeding.

Since tirofiban is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting as needed, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to tirofiban, or to similar drugs such as abciximab (ReoPro) or eptifibatide (Integrilin).

Do not receive this medication if you have a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis, severe liver disease, severe high blood pressure, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, a history of head injury, brain tumor, or blood clot in the brain (aneurysm), a stroke or any type of bleeding within the past 30 days, or any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 6 weeks.

Tirofiban is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, aspirin is sometimes given with tirofiban, and aspirin can cause bleeding when it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Aspirin can also cause side effects in a newborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with tirofiban and aspirin.

Because tirofiban keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to tirofiban, or to similar drugs such as abciximab (ReoPro) or eptifibatide (Integrilin), or if you have:

• a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis;

• severe liver disease;

• a severe form of hypertension (high blood pressure);

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia;

• a history of head injury, brain tumor, or blood clot in the brain (aneurysm);

• if you have had a stroke or any type of bleeding within the past 30 days; or

• if you have had any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 6 weeks.

Before using tirofiban, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• stomach ulcer;

• high blood pressure;

• congestive heart failure; or

• a vision disorder involving the blood vessels in your eyes.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive tirofiban, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Tirofiban is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, aspirin is sometimes given with tirofiban, and aspirin can cause bleeding when it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Aspirin can also cause side effects in a newborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with tirofiban and aspirin.

It is not known whether tirofiban passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Your pharmacist has information about tirofiban written for health professionals that you may read.

Tirofiban is available with a prescription under the brand name Aggrastat. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.