Information About Aggrenox

Common uses
Aggrenox is an antiplatelet combination used to prevent strokes in patients who have had transient ischemia or ischemic stroke due to blood clots. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Children and teenagers should not use aspirin, aspirin- containing or aspirin-related medicines for flu symptoms or chickenpox without first consulting a physician. A rare but serious illness known as Reye's syndrome may occur. Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, do not use Aggrenox: probenecid or sulfinpyrazone. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: an anticoagulant, methotrexate, valproic acid, or oral medicine for glaucoma (carbonic anhydrase inhibitors) or diabetes. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions including asthma, nasal polyps, any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. If you have questions or concerns about Aggrenox, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Aggrenox. Swallow whole Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Store Aggrenox at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Should you skip or forget a dose of Aggrenox, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Never take more than one dose at the same time.

Warnings
Do not use Aggrenox if you have had a severe allergic reaction to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as Feldene, Motrin, Naprosyn, Clinoril). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to Aggrenox, contact your physician or pharmacist. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Aggrenox. Using Aggrenox alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase dizziness. To prevent dizziness or fainting, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness or weakness. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the physician or dentist that you are using Aggrenox. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . This includes any medicines that contain aspirin or salicylates. Alcohol If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, ask your physician whether you should take Aggrenox or other pain relievers/fever reducers. Aggrenox may cause stomach bleeding. Women, Aggrenox has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Aggrenox during pregnancy. Aggrenox is excreted in breast milk if you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Aggrenox, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby. If you have diabetes, Aggrenox may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your physician before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include stomach pain, headache, heartburn, dizziness, or constipation. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience severe stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; bloody or black, tarry stools; vomiting of blood; rash; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine or pale stools; or unusual fatigue. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are ringing in the ears, flushing, sweating, restlessness, weakness, dizziness and fast heartbeat.

Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Aggrenox. Do not take Aggrenox to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Aggrenox for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.