Aggrenox (Asprin - Dipyridamole)

What is/are Aggrenox?

ASPIRIN; DIPYRIDAMOLE is used to decrease the risk of stroke in patients who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack. A transient ischemic attack is also known as a TIA or mini-stroke. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

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

• asthma
• bleeding or clotting problems
• drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day
• kidney or liver disease
• nasal polyps
• stomach ulcers, or other stomach problems
• vitamin K deficiency
• an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, dipyridamole, salicylates, NSAIDs, tartrazine dye, other medicines, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the label. The capsules must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine 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 medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin or heparin
• methotrexate

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• acetazolamide
• adenosine
• antiinflammatory drugs, NSAIDs like ibuprofen
• aspirin-containing medicines or other salicylates
• diuretics
• medicines for Alzheimer's disease or myasthenia gravis
• medicines for diabetes that are taken by mouth
• medicines for high blood pressure like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers
• medicines for seizures like phenytoin or valproic acid
• probenecid
• sulfinpyrazone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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 side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• black, tarry stools
• chest pain
• confusion
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• pain on swallowing
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth or nose
• ringing in the ears
• seizure
• stomach pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• vomit with blood or coffee ground-like

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

• diarrhea
• flushing, reddening of the skin
• headache
• nausea
• reduced amount of urine passed

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not take other aspirin products unless directed by your doctor or health care professional. Many non-prescription medicines contain aspirin. To prevent accidental overdose, read labels carefully and do not take more than one product that contains aspirin.

If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Aspirin can irritate your stomach. Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes can make this irritation worse and may cause ulcers or bleeding problems. Ask your doctor or health care professional for help to stop smoking or drinking. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medicine to prevent irritation to your throat.

If you are receiving cancer chemotherapy or medicine for your immune system, do not take this medicine without checking with your doctor or health care professional. Aspirin may hide the signs of an infection like fever or pain and increase your risk of bleeding.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.