Cangrelor
About
Cangrelor belongs to the group of medicines called 'antiplatelet agents' used to prevent the formation of blood clots, thereby reducing the chance of Myocardial infarction. Cangrelor is used during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure to reduce the chance of blood clot formation.
Cangrelor contains Cangrelor, which works by inhibiting the clumping of platelets, thereby reducing the chance of blood clot formation. This results in lower cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction (heart attack), repeat coronary revascularization, and stent thrombosis (ST).
Cangrelor will be administered by your doctor. So, do not self-administer. The dose of the medicine will be decided by your doctor based on your health condition. Cangrelor may cause certain side effects such as nose bleeds, skin rash, bleeding in the bowels, blood in urine, low haemoglobin, indigestion and bruising. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
Cangrelor should not be used if you ever had a brain stroke, bleeding in the brain or transient ischemic attack (stroke). Talk to your doctor before receiving Cangrelor, have/had a recent severe injury or surgery due to risk of severe bleeding problems. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving this medicine. Cangrelor is not recommended for children as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Uses of Cangrelor
Medicinal Benefits
Cangrelor belongs to the group of medicines called antiplatelet agents (P2Y12 platelet inhibitors) used to prevent the formation of blood clots. Cangrelor helps in reducing the chance of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack), repeat coronary revascularization, and stent thrombosis (ST). Cangrelor works by inhibiting the clumping of platelets, thereby reducing the chance of blood clot formation. This helps in reducing the rate of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke, especially in people who have had heart surgery, known as angioplasty.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cangrelor
- Nose bleeds
- Skin rash
- Bleeding in bowels
- Blood in urine
- Indigestion
- Bruising
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not receive Cangrelor if you are allergic to it or if you have a medical condition that causes bleeding from the stomach or intestine, had a transient ischemic attack (stroke) or if you are suffering from severe liver disease. Let your doctor know if you have bleeding problems, had/have a recent serious injury or surgery, or kidney or liver disease before receiving this medicine. Consult your doctor immediately if you develop a medical condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (blood disorder) while on treatment with Cangrelor. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should inform their doctor before receiving this medicine. Cangrelor is not recommended for children as efficacy and safety have not been established. People affected with active pathological bleeding (peptic ulcer, intracranial or brain haemorrhage) and a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) should not take Cangrelor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cangrelor may interact with pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib, hydrocodone, tramadol), blood thinners (clopidogrel, dalteparin, enoxaparin, rivaroxaban, prasugrel), and drug used to prevent heart attack or stroke (ticagrelor).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have bleeding problems, coronary and cerebral vascular disease, liver or kidney disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol intake might increase the risk of stomach or intestine bleeding. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption while receiving Cangrelor to prevent unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Cangrelor. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionLimited data are available on the effect of Cangrelor on breastfeeding. Hence, if you are a nursing mother, inform your doctor before receiving Cangrelor. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionCangrelor does not affect your ability to drive. However, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not alert.
Liver
cautionCangrelor should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have liver disease or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionCangrelor should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney disease or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeCangrelor is not recommended for use in children, as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, skinless poultry, fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight with proper diet and exercise.
- Managing stress with meditation, yoga, and massage.
- Avoid eating fried food, fast food, boxed food, canned food, and processed frozen meals.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Blood clot: Platelets are small cell particles that circulate in the blood. When the blood vessel is damaged or cut, the platelets clump together and lead to the formation of a clot. Thus it prevents bleeding. The formation of clots in arteries can cut off the blood supply, leading to heart attack, stroke or death. Clot formation in the arteries that supply blood to the heart may cause reduced blood flow which could lead to unstable angina (chest pain).
Myocardial infarction: Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack or stroke, could occur due to the lack of blood and oxygen supply in the heart. Symptoms include chest pain, upper body pain, sweating, weakness, trouble breathing, lightheadedness and nausea.
FAQs
Cangrelor works by inhibiting the clumping of platelets, thereby reducing the chance of blood clot formation. This helps in reducing the rate of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), repeat coronary revascularization, and stent thrombosis (ST).
Cangrelor prevents the formation of blood clots, so it might increase the risk of bleeding during a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure. Consult a doctor immediately if you notice excess bleeding.
Cangrelor may cause anaemia (low haemoglobin and low red blood cell count). So it would be best if you include iron-rich food in your diet to prevent anaemia.
