Prasugrel (Effient) Uses

Prasugrel is used to lower the risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events (blood clots), including stent thrombosis (clots in cardiac stents), in patients with acute coronary syndromes. These are patients who are to be managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which are minimally invasive procedure done to open clogged coronary arteries. Prasugrel is prescribed to the following patients who are to undergo PCI: 

• Patients with unstable angina or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) 
• Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to be managed with either primary or delayed PCI

There may be other uses of prasugrel—your healthcare professional can give you further drug information.

Prasugrel (Effient) Mechanism of Action

Prasugrel prevents platelets from aggregating and forming blood clots that can cause heart attack or stroke.

Prasugrel (Effient) Doses

Prasugrel comes in the form of 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. This medicine is started with an initial single 60-mg loading dose and then continued at a dose of 10 mg daily. People prescribed prasugrel are also prescribed aspirin (75 mg to 325 mg) daily.

Note: Patients weighing under 60 kg (132 lbs) may need to take a lower dose of 5 mg daily.