Vorapaxar

Generic name: vorapaxar [ VOR-a-PAX-ar ]
Brand name: Zontivity
Dosage form: oral tablet (2.08 mg)
Drug class: Protease-activated receptor-1 antagonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 6, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is vorapaxar?

Vorapaxar is used to lower the risk of stroke or serious heart problems in people who have had a heart attack or a blood vessel disorder affecting circulation in the arms and legs.

Vorapaxar is sometimes used together with aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix).

Vorapaxar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Vorapaxar side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Vorapaxar may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);

• red or brown urine, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• any bleeding that will not stop;

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.

Common side effects of vorapaxar may include:

• bleeding;

• anemia;

• depression; or

• rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not use vorapaxar if you have active bleeding, stomach or intestinal bleeding, a head injury, or if you have a history of stroke (including "mini-stroke"), bleeding in your brain, or increased pressure inside the skull.

Vorapaxar increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bloody or tarry stools, red or brown urine, any bleeding that will not stop, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use vorapaxar if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• active bleeding;

• stomach or intestinal bleeding;

• a head injury or bleeding in your head;

• a history of stroke;

• a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or "mini-stroke"; or

• a history of bleeding in your brain or increased pressure inside the skull.

Vorapaxar increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening, especially if:

• you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;

• you are an older adult;

• you are underweight;

• you have liver or kidney disease;

• you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

• you take certain antidepressants (Celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Cymbalta, Effexor, and others); or

• you take an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any heart procedures, such as:

• heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG);

• angioplasty (a catheter is inserted to place a "stent" in a blood vessel to open up a blocked or narrowed artery); or

• coronary angiography (a special dye is injected into a blood vessel that allows your coronary arteries to be easily seen on an x-ray).

Vorapaxar may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using vorapaxar.

How should I take vorapaxar?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take vorapaxar with or without food.

You may also need to take aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix). Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.

If you need surgery or any dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using vorapaxar. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time to prevent bleeding.

You should not stop using vorapaxar suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Vorapaxar can have long lasting effects in your body. You may still bleed more easily for as long as 4 weeks after you stop using vorapaxar.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

Vorapaxar dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Thromboembolic Disorder:

2.08 mg orally once a day, with or without food

Comments: Use with aspirin and/or clopidogrel

Uses: For reduction of thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) or with peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

Usual Adult Dose for Peripheral Arterial Disease:

2.08 mg orally once a day, with or without food

Comments: Use with aspirin and/or clopidogrel

Uses: For reduction of thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) or with peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking vorapaxar?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect vorapaxar?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect vorapaxar, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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