What is the most important information I should know about Persantine?

• Do not take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), and ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT) during therapy with Persantine. The combination could lead to bleeding, especially in your stomach. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications for pain, inflammation (including arthritis), or fever.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Persantine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What is Persantine?

• Persantine stops platelets (substances in your blood necessary for blood clotting) from sticking together or attaching to prosthetic heart valve surfaces.
• Persantine is used to prevent the formation of blood clots following heart valve replacement surgery.
• Persantine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Persantine?

• Persantine should be used cautiously if you have abnormally low blood pressure.
• Persantine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Persantine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Persantine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Persantine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• The FDA has not approved Persantine for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I take Persantine?

• Take Persantine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
• For best results, take Persantine on an empty stomach. However, it can be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
• Store Persantine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a Persantine overdose include slurred speech, loss of balance, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy or decreased movement.

What should I avoid while taking Persantine?

• Do not take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), or ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT) during therapy with Persantine. The combination could lead to bleeding, especially in your stomach. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications for pain, inflammation (including arthritis), or fever.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Persantine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of Persantine?

• Stop taking Persantine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Persantine and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • dizziness;
  • upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting;
  • headache; or
  • a rash.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Persantine?

• Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), and ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT) could lead to bleeding if taken during Persantine therapy. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications for pain, inflammation (including arthritis), or fever. Other commonly used NSAIDs include diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), and tolmetin (Tolectin).
• During therapy with Persantine, you may also be taking warfarin (Coumadin). This medicine interacts with many other drugs, so use caution and follow the instructions of your doctor and pharmacist.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Persantine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.