Ticlopidine is an oral medication prescribed to prevent blood clots from forming and to reduce a person’s risk of stroke. This medication comes in tablet form and is usually for those who have already suffered a stroke, or are at risk of suffering a stroke due to medical problems. In most cases, ticlopidine is an alternative option for those who are unable to take aspirin but sometimes, the medication can work in combination with aspirin to prevent unnecessary blood clots. Additional medical conditions that benefit from ticlopidine treatment include sickle cell disease and various types of kidney disease.
While blood clotting is a normal function of the human body, unnecessary blood clots are dangerous and can cause serious problems. A stroke, for example, can occur as a result of a blood clot in the brain. Although ticlopidine helps prevent unnecessary clotting, since it is a medication that decreases blood clotting activity, it can also increase a person’s risk of serious bleeding, even from seemingly minor injuries. This is why it is important for a person to disclose any bleeding conditions or blood clotting disorders to a doctor before taking the medication. Also, it is important for a person to disclose his prescription if he needs to undergo a dental procedure or an operation.
As with any medication, a doctor will need to assess a person’s overall health before prescribing ticlopidine. In addition to bleeding conditions and blood clotting disorders, other medical conditions, as well as medications, can affect a person’s prescription. Also, since side effects are most likely to occur during the first three months with a ticlopidine prescription, the doctor will need to take several blood tests during this time period. These blood tests help the doctor determine if there are side effects that will become serious for the person while he is taking the medication.
Side effects of ticlopidine can be either mild or severe. Mild side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea and dizziness, as well as headache and nausea; unless these mild side effects become persistent or severe, it is usually not necessary to consult a doctor. Severe side effects, on the other hand, might require a doctor’s visit. Some examples of severe side effects are chest pain, skin rash and signs of infection, such as a fever or sore throat. Of course, easy or excessive bruising or bleeding is also a problem that will need the attention of a doctor.