Zontivity drugs: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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For the prevention of myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction, antiplatelet agents (such as Aspirin, Clopidogrel) are often considered. Currently, to increase the anti-platelet effect, patients can be prescribed Zontivity with Vorapaxar active ingredient. So what is Vorapaxar?

1. What is Zontivity?

Vorapaxar has the trade name Zontivity which is used for the prevention of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke in patients with a history of myocardial infarction or with reduced blood flow.
Vorapaxar has the effect of inhibiting blood cells platelets from sticking together and forming harmful blood clots. These blood clots can lead to heart attacks, brain attacks, and other serious problems. The "antiplatelet" effect of Zontivity helps to keep the blood circulating smoothly in the patient's body.

2. How to use Zontivity

Carefully read the Zontivity drug instructions provided by the pharmacist before the patient starts taking vorapaxar, if there are any questions about the drug, the patient should ask the doctor or pharmacist for answers.
Zontivity is a medication to be taken by mouth before or after meals as directed by your doctor, usually only once per day. Patients need to take Zontivity pills regularly and continuously to bring the highest effectiveness. To help with memory, take Zontivity at the same time each day.
Your doctor may instruct you to take other antiplatelet drugs (such as aspirin, clopidogrel) along with Zontivity, you need to carefully follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not increase your dose or take Zontivity more often than prescribed. Because the patient's condition will not improve any faster and the risk of side effects from Zontivity will increase.
Continue using Vorapaxar even if the patient has no symptoms, never stop taking Zontivity without consulting the treating doctor.

3. Side effects of the drug Zontivity

Zontivity drug inhibits platelet aggregation, so the most common side effect is an increased risk of unusual bruising/bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums. If this side effect of Zontivity persists or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects of Zontivity, including these signs: severe bleeding such as continuous or heavy bleeding, upper back pain. taste or stomach pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, coughing or vomiting blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody/black/tarry stools, bloody/pink/dark urine , sudden severe headache, confusion, dizziness, fainting, convulsions, unusual weakness, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, unusual drowsiness, loss of consciousness.
The article does not cover the full list of possible side effects of Zontivity . If you notice other effects of Zontivity medicine not listed above, please contact your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

4. Notes when using the drug Zontivity

Vorapaxar increases the risk of bleeding, which can include bleeding in the brain and other serious bleeding problems. Therefore, do not use Zontivity if the patient has had a stroke, transient ischemic attack - TIA, a history of cerebral hemorrhage or if he has any existing bleeding disorders.
Before using Zontivity, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Vorapaxar or if you have any other allergies.
The patient needs to declare the medical history to the treating doctor, especially:
Stroke (including mild stroke, TIA); Current and past bleeding disorders (such as bleeding in the brain, stomach ulcers, hemophilia); Recent surgery; Serious injury; Liver disease. During the use of Zontivity, the patient's bleeding time may take longer than usual if he or she is accidentally cut or injured. To reduce the risk of a cut, bruise, or injury, be cautious with sharp objects such as knives and nail clippers and avoid activities such as high-contact sports.
Because Vorapaxar stays in the body for a long time, there is still a risk of bleeding for about 4 weeks after stopping use.
It is necessary to limit alcoholic beverages and daily alcohol use because when these factors are combined with Zontivity medicine, it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about taking Zontivity and about all other products (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products).
Pregnant women should use Vorapaxar only when clearly needed and need to discuss the risks with their doctor.

5. Zontivity drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way Zontivity works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Some products that may interact with Zontivity include: tipranavir, antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, clomipramine, paroxetine, citalopram, duloxetine, desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine...) dabigatran, warfarin).
Medicines that can affect the removal of vorapaxar from the body, affecting the way vorapaxar works include:
azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole); Cobicistat; HIV protease inhibitors (nelfinavir, ritonavir); hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors (boceprevir, telaprevir); Macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin); Rifamycins; Medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenytoin). Check all prescription and nonprescription drug labels carefully as these medications may contain pain relievers and fever reducers (such as aspirin, NSAIDs).
These drugs also have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of side effects if taken with Zontivity . However, if your doctor has prescribed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (dose 81-325 milligrams/day), you should continue taking aspirin.
Tests (such as complete blood count) should be performed periodically to monitor disease progression or check for Zontivity side effects.
If you miss a dose, take Zontivity as soon as you remember, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Zontivity, do not double it. Store Zontivity tablets at room temperature, away from moisture, keep the tablets in their original packaging, in the bottle or blister, tightly cover the bottle with a desiccant inside to protect the tablets from moisture, keep the medicine away from children children and pets. Do not flush Zontivity down the toilet or down the drain unless it has expired or is no longer needed. Zontivity is used to prevent myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke in patients with a history of myocardial infarction or with reduced blood flow. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment, patients need to take the drug exactly as directed by the doctor or pharmacist.

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Reference source: webmd.com