Vorapaxar Tablets

What is this medication?

VORAPAXAR (VOR a PAX ar) lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. It works by preventing blood cells (platelets) from clumping together to form a clot.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zontivity

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding disorders
• Bleeding in the brain
• History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Planned surgery
• Stomach or intestinal ulcer
• An unusual or allergic reaction to vorapaxar, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
• Boceprevir
• Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and telithromycin
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
• Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and posaconazole
• Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin
• Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin, apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban
• Conivaptan
• Nefazodone
• NSAIDS, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Rifampin
• St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Notify your care team and seek emergency treatment if you develop breathing problems, changes in vision, chest pain, severe, sudden headache, pain, swelling, warmth in the leg, trouble speaking, sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg. These can be signs that your condition has gotten worse.

Avoid sports and activities that might cause injury while you are using this medication. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your care team.

If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Blurry vision, vision loss, seeing wavy or bent objects or blind spots with dark, light, or flashing spots
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Double vision
• Skin rash
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F).

Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.