Effient® (Prasugrel) Tablets for Acute Coronary Syndrome

Prasugrel is an oral antiplatelet medicine for adults who have acute coronary syndrome and receive a coronary stent. It helps lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and stent clotting when used with low‑dose aspirin. Available through CanadianInsulin with US delivery from Canada, Prasugrel combines consistent platelet inhibition with Canadian pricing, and remains accessible even when paying without insurance.

What Effient® Is and How It Works

Effient® is the brand name for prasugrel, a thienopyridine antiplatelet agent. After ingestion, it is converted to an active metabolite that irreversibly blocks the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelets. By preventing platelet activation and aggregation, it reduces clot formation in coronary arteries and within stents. In clinical practice, prasugrel is commonly paired with low‑dose aspirin as part of dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention.

At CanadianInsulin, orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies after we confirm a valid prescription with your clinic.

Compared with some older options, prasugrel provides rapid and consistent platelet inhibition. This predictability can be valuable for patients with acute coronary syndromes who undergo angioplasty and stent placement. For additional reading on dose concepts and labeled safety, see the overview in Prasugrel 10 Mg.

Who Effient® Is For

Prasugrel is indicated to reduce the risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events in adults with acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina, NSTEMI, or STEMI) who are managed with percutaneous coronary intervention. It is part of standard dual antiplatelet therapy when paired with aspirin in these settings.

Prasugrel should not be used in patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, or in those with active pathological bleeding. It is generally not recommended in patients 75 years and older unless high‑risk features are present. Low body weight may increase bleeding risk; clinicians may consider a lower maintenance dose in such cases. Use caution in patients with conditions that raise bleeding risk, such as recent gastrointestinal bleeding or severe liver disease.

Some patients may be managed with alternative P2Y12 inhibitors based on risks, preferences, or drug characteristics, including Clopidogrel or branded Plavix. For a broader view of cardiac therapies we carry, browse Heart Disease options.

Dosage and Usage

Label‑aligned guidance includes a one‑time loading dose shortly before or at the time of PCI, followed by a once‑daily maintenance dose. A lower maintenance dose is commonly selected for patients with low body weight to reduce bleeding risk. Prasugrel is taken with or without food and, for consistency, at the same time each day. It is used together with daily low‑dose aspirin unless a clinician advises otherwise.

• Loading dose: given before or at PCI as directed by a clinician.
• Maintenance dose: taken once daily; a reduced dose is commonly selected for lower‑weight patients.
• Co‑therapy: use with low‑dose aspirin is typical after stent placement.
• Peri‑procedural management: for planned surgery, prasugrel is typically stopped well in advance to lower bleeding risk; timing should follow the prescriber’s instructions.

Because durable platelet inhibition persists for the life of affected platelets, stopping therapy requires advance planning prior to elective surgery or invasive dental work. For practical, patient‑friendly context on dosing and safety, see Prasugrel 10 Mg.

Strengths and Forms

Prasugrel is available as film‑coated oral tablets in common strengths of 5 mg and 10 mg. Availability can vary by manufacturer and pharmacy. Tablet color and shape may differ between brands or generics.

Missed Dose and Timing

If the once‑daily maintenance dose is missed, it is generally taken on the same day when remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose is skipped. Doubling doses is not recommended. Multiple missed doses after a recent stent procedure may increase risk; discuss next steps with a prescriber.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at controlled room temperature in the original, tightly closed container, protected from moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

• Travel: keep your tablets in carry‑on luggage with a copy of your prescription and original labeling.
• Time zones: maintain your daily schedule; a reminder on your phone can help when traveling.
• Organization: use a weekly pill organizer if advised, but keep the bottle for pharmacy information.

Temperature‑stable tablets do not require special cooling in transit, but orders ship using prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping practices for temperature‑sensitive items in mixed orders.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Not applicable. Prasugrel is an oral tablet and does not require injection, pens, needles, or sharps disposal.

Benefits

• Reduces the risk of clot‑related events after stent placement in acute coronary syndrome.
• Provides rapid, consistent platelet inhibition when activated in the body.
• Used in combination with low‑dose aspirin as part of dual antiplatelet therapy.
• Generic availability may support affordability and access under Canadian pricing.

Side Effects and Safety

The most important risk with prasugrel is bleeding, which can be severe or rarely life‑threatening. Common side effects include:

• Increased bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, gum bleeding, hematoma)
• Gastrointestinal effects (indigestion, nausea, diarrhea)
• Headache or dizziness
• Skin reactions such as rash

Serious effects require urgent medical attention, including signs of internal bleeding (black stools, coughing or vomiting blood), intracranial bleeding symptoms (sudden severe headache, confusion, weakness), allergic reactions, or rare thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) characterized by fever, neurologic changes, and low platelets.

Prasugrel is contraindicated in patients with a prior stroke or TIA, and in those with active pathological bleeding. Bleeding risk rises with age, low body weight, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, and concurrent use of other agents that affect hemostasis. Patients should carry medical identification noting antiplatelet therapy.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

• Anticoagulants and other antiplatelet drugs: warfarin, DOACs, and other agents increase bleeding risk.
• NSAIDs (including high‑dose aspirin): additive bleeding risk, especially with chronic use.
• SSRIs and SNRIs: may raise bleeding risk via platelet effects.
• Opioids: may delay or reduce absorption of oral P2Y12 inhibitors.
• Proton pump inhibitors: no clinically meaningful reduction in prasugrel effect is typically seen, but clinicians individualize therapy.
• Herbals that affect bleeding (e.g., ginkgo, high‑dose fish oil): use caution.

Do not combine prasugrel with another P2Y12 inhibitor unless specifically directed. For context on differences among P2Y12 agents, see Clopidogrel 75 Mg and additional topics linked below.

What to Expect Over Time

Platelet inhibition begins soon after the loading dose and is maintained with daily dosing. The antiplatelet effect persists for the lifespan of affected platelets, so benefits and bleeding risk both continue while on therapy. Clinicians reassess therapy duration, adherence, and bleeding risk at regular intervals, especially after the first months following PCI.

Compare With Alternatives

Several P2Y12 inhibitors are used after PCI. Choice depends on clinical factors, bleeding risk, cost, and prescriber preference.

• Ticagrelor: a reversible P2Y12 inhibitor; selected in various ACS scenarios. See Ticagrelor.
• Clopidogrel: widely used; less potent and more variable activation than prasugrel in some patients. See Clopidogrel.

For a concise overview of dosing and risk considerations, the article Ticagrelor 90 Mg can be a helpful companion to prescriber guidance.

Pricing and Access

Order with confidence and benefit from Canadian pricing and US delivery from Canada. Prasugrel is a generic option that can help reduce out‑of‑pocket costs. If looking to save more, consider a multi‑month fill or switching from brand to generic if appropriate. Browse related options in Heart Health Medications.

Checkout and customer data are protected by encrypted transfer. For current offers, visit our Promotions page. Orders are handled with prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability can vary by manufacturer and lot. If a preferred strength or brand is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative P2Y12 inhibitor or an equivalent strength using appropriate tablet combinations. Pharmacists dispense from licensed Canadian pharmacies once a valid prescription is confirmed.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

• Good candidates: adults with ACS undergoing PCI who have no history of stroke or TIA and do not have active bleeding.
• Use with caution: age 75 and older, low body weight, history of gastrointestinal bleeding, severe hepatic disease, or those on concurrent anticoagulants.
• Not indicated: patients with a prior stroke or TIA, or active pathological bleeding.
• Cost‑savers: choose generic, request a 90‑day supply when appropriate, coordinate refills to avoid gaps, and compare alternatives with the prescriber.
• Refill habits: set reminders and keep your medication list updated to simplify reordering.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is prasugrel the right P2Y12 inhibitor given current bleeding and ischemic risks?
• How long should dual antiplatelet therapy be continued after my stent type and procedure?
• What signs of bleeding warrant urgent evaluation?
• How should therapy be managed before dental work or elective surgery?
• Would a lower maintenance dose be reasonable given body weight or age?
• Are there interactions with current medicines or supplements?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA Effient Label
• DailyMed Prasugrel
• MedlinePlus Prasugrel

Ready to proceed? Place your prescription order with CanadianInsulin for prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping and reliable US delivery from Canada.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. Always follow the prescribing label and your clinician’s instructions.