Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Aggrastat 50 mcg/ml Solution for infusion

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Tirofiban hydrochloride monohydrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Tirofiban hydrochloride monohydrate
Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for Aggrastat is used to help assist the blood flow to your heart and to help prevent chest pain and heart attacks. It works by preventing platelets, cells found in the blood, from forming blood clots. This medicine may also be used in patients whose heart vessels are dilated with a balloon (percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI). This is a procedure, possibly with implantation of a small tube (stent), to improve the blood flow to the heart. Aggrastat is intended for use with aspirin and unfractionated heparin.

What you need to know before you take it

Aggrastat Do not use Aggrastat • • • • • • • • •

if you are allergic to tirofiban or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in Section 6). if you are bleeding internally or have a history of bleeding internally within the last 30 days. if you have a history of bleeding in the brain, brain tumor or abnormal blood vessels in the brain. if you have severe uncontrolled high blood pressure (malignant hypertension). if you have a low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia) or problems with blood clotting. if you developed thrombocytopenia if you had received treatment with Aggrastat or another medicine in the same group of drugs previously. if you have a history of stroke within the last 30 days or any history of stroke with bleeding. if you have been seriously injured or had a major operation within the last 6 weeks. if you have severe liver disease.

Your doctor will review your medical history to see if you are at an increased risk of any side effects associated with being given this medicine. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor before you are given Aggrastat, if you have or have had: • •

any medical problems any allergies

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a biopsy, or a procedure to break up kidney stones within the last 2 weeks been seriously injured or had a major operation within the last 3 months an ulcer in the stomach or intestine (duodenum) within the last 3 months a recent bleeding disorder (within 1 year) such as bleeding in the stomach or intestine, or blood in your urine or stool recent spinal procedure a history or symptoms of splitting of the aorta (aortic dissection) uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) an inflammation of the lining around your heart (pericarditis) an inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) problems with the blood vessels in the back of your eye (retina) treatment with medications that help to prevent or dissolve blood clots kidney problems a special intravenous line inserted under your collar bone within the last 24 hours heart failure very low blood pressure due to a failing heart (cardiogenic shock) a liver disorder low blood count or anemia

Other medicines and Aggrastat In general, Aggrastat can be used with other medicines. Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, as some drugs may affect each other's action. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines that help prevent your blood from clotting such as warfarin. Aggrastat with food and drink Food and drink have no effect on this medicine. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before you are given this medicine. Driving and using machines Due to your disease state, you will not be able to drive or operate machinery while Aggrastat is being used. Aggrastat contains sodium This medicinal product contains approximately 917 mg of sodium per 250 ml bag which should be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.

How to take it

to you Aggrastat should be prescribed by a qualified doctor who is experienced in the management of heart attacks. You have been given, or are about to be given, Aggrastat into a vein. Your doctor will decide on the appropriate dose, depending on your condition and your weight. Use in Children The use in children is not recommended. If you are given more Aggrastat than you should Your dose of Aggrastat is carefully monitored and checked by your doctor. The most frequently reported symptom of overdose is bleeding. If you notice bleeding, you should notify your health care professional immediately. If you forget to use Aggrastat Your doctor will decide when to administer the dose.

If you stop using Aggrastat Your doctor will decide when treatment should be stopped. However, if you wish to stop your treatment earlier, you should discuss other options with your doctor. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effect of treatment with Aggrastat is bleeding which could occur anywhere in the body. This can become serious and may, rarely, be fatal. If side effects occur, they may need medical attention. While using Aggrastat, if you develop any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately:

  • signs of bleeding in the skull such as pain in the head, sensory impairments (visual or hearing), difficulties in speech, numbness or problems with movement or balance
  • signs of internal bleeding such as coughing up blood or blood in your urine or stool
  • signs of serious allergic reactions such as difficulties in breathing and dizziness Below is a list of side effects that have occurred in some people following treatment with Aggrastat. The side effects are listed in decreasing order of frequency. Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): Bleeding after surgery Bleeding under the skin at the site of an injection, or into a muscle, causing swelling Small red bruises on the skin Invisible blood in urine or stool Feeling sick Headache Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Blood in urine Coughing up of blood Nose bleeds Bleeding in the gums and mouth Bleeding from vessel puncture site Reduction in red blood cells (reduced haematocrit and haemoglobin) Decreases in platelet count below 90,000/mm3 Fever Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Bleeding in the stomach or intestines Vomiting of blood Decreases in platelet count below 50,000/mm3 Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): Bleeding in the skull Haematoma in the spinal region Bleeding in the abdomen of the internal organs Accumulation of blood around the heart Bleeding in the lung Acute and/or severe decreases in platelet counts below <20,000/mm 3 Severe allergic reactions with tightness of chest, hives or nettle rash, including reactions that cause difficulty in breathing and dizziness

Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

Aggrastat Your physician and pharmacist will know how to store and dispose of this medicine. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bag after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not freeze. Keep container in foil overpouch in order to protect from light. Do not use this medicine if you notice there are visible particles or discolouration of the solution before use. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Aggrastat contains The active substance is tirofiban. 1 ml of Aggrastat solution for infusion contains 50 micrograms tirofiban. The other ingredients are: Sodium chloride, sodium citrate dihydrate, citric acid anhydrous, water for injections, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment). What Aggrastat looks like and contents of pack Aggrastat is a clear, colourless solution available as follows: 250 ml Freeflex® container (non-PVC plastic), colourless, multilayer polyolefine film with polyolefin injection moulded tubes. It is packed in a preprinted foil overpouch. Pack size: 1 or 3 containers with 250 ml solution for infusion. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorization Holder Product Manufacturer

Focus Pharmaceuticals Limited Dashwood House, 69 Old Broad Street, London, EC2M 1QS, United Kingdom

Tjoapack Netherlands B.V. Nieuwe Donk 9, Etten-Leur, 4879 AC, Netherlands Arvato Distribution GmbH, Gottlieb Daimler Straße 1, 33428 Harsewinkel, Germany

This leaflet was last revised in August 2024. Other sources of information Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: http://www.ema.europa.eu/. The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: This product is for hospital use only, by specialist physicians experienced in the management of acute coronary syndromes. Aggrastat should be administered with unfractionated heparin and oral antiplatelet therapy, including acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Posology and method of administration In patients who are managed with an early invasive strategy for Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (NSTE-ACS) but not planned to undergo angiography for at least 4 hours and up to 48 hours after diagnosis, Aggrastat is given intravenously at an initial infusion rate of 0.4 microgram/kg/min for 30 minutes. At the end of the initial infusion, Aggrastat should be continued at a maintenance infusion rate of 0.1 microgram/kg/min. Aggrastat should be given with unfractionated heparin (usually an intravenous bolus of 50-60 Units (U)/kg simultaneously with the start of Aggrastat therapy, then approx. 1000 U per hour, titrated on the basis of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), which should be about twice the normal value) and oral antiplatelet therapy, including but not limited to ASA, unless contraindicated. In NSTE-ACS patients planned to undergo PCI within the first 4 hours of diagnosis or in patients with acute myocardial infarction intended for primary PCI, Aggrastat should be administered utilizing an initial bolus of 25 microgram/kg given over a 3 minute period, followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.15 microgram/kg/min for 12-24, and up to 48 hours. Aggrastat should be administered with unfractionated heparin (dosage as above) and oral antiplatelet therapy, including but not limited to ASA, unless contraindicated. No dosage adjustment is necessary for the elderly. Patients with severe kidney failure In severe kidney failure (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) the dosage of Aggrastat should be reduced by 50%. Paediatric population The safety and efficacy of Aggrastat in children have not been established. No data are available. Start and duration of Aggrastat In patients who are managed with an early invasive strategy for NSTE-ACS butnot planned to undergo angiography for at least 4 hours and up to 48 hours after diagnosis, the Aggrastat 0.4 microgram/kg/min loading dose regimen should be initiated upon diagnosis. The recommended duration of the maintenance infusion should be at least 48 hours. Infusion of Aggrastat and unfractionated heparin may be continued during coronary angiography and should be maintained for at least 12 hours and not more than 24 hours after angioplasty/atherectomy. Once a patient is clinically stable and no coronary intervention is planned by the treating physician, the infusion should be discontinued. The entire duration of treatment should not exceed 108 hours.

If the patient diagnosed with NSTE-ACS and managed with an invasive strategy undergoes angiography within 4 hours after the diagnosis, the Aggrastat 25 microgram/kg dose bolus regimen should be initiated at the start of PCI with the infusion continued for 12-24 hours and up to 48 hours. In patients with acute myocardial infarction intended for primary PCI, the bolus infusion regimen should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis. Concurrent therapy (unfractionated heparin, oral antiplatelet therapy, including ASA) Treatment with unfractionated heparin is initiated with an intravenous bolus of 50-60 U/kg and then continued with a maintenance infusion of 1000 units per hour. The heparin dosage is titrated to maintain an APTT of approximately twice the normal value. Unless contraindicated, all patients should receive oral antiplatelet agents, including but not limited to ASA, before the start of Aggrastat. This medication should be continued at least for the duration of the infusion of Aggrastat. Most studies investigating the administration of Aggrastat as an adjunct to PCI have used ASA in combination with clopidogrel as oral antiplatelet therapy. The efficacy of the combination of Aggrastat with either prasugrel or ticagrelor has not been established in randomised controlled trials. If angioplasty (PCI) is required, heparin should be stopped after PCI, and the sheaths should be withdrawn once coagulation has returned to normal, e.g. when the activated clotting time (ACT) is less than 180 seconds (usually 2-6 hours after discontinuation of heparin). Incompatibilities Incompatibility has been found with diazepam. Therefore, Aggrastat and diazepam should not be administered in the same intravenous line. No incompatibilities have been found with Aggrastat and the following intravenous formulations: atropine sulfate, dobutamine, dopamine, epinephrine HCl, furosemide, heparin, lidocaine, midazolam HCl, morphine sulfate, nitroglycerin, potassium chloride, propranolol HCl, and famotidine injection. Instructions for use Check the expiry date. Do not withdraw solution directly from the container with a syringe. To Open: Tear foil overpouch (250 ml Solution for Infusion) at notch and remove inner container. Check for minute leaks by squeezing inner bag firmly. If leaks are found, discard solution as sterility may be impaired. Do not use unless solution is clear and seal is intact. Do not add supplementary medication or withdraw solution directly from the bag with a syringe. CAUTION: Do not use plastic containers in series connections. Such use could result in air embolism due to residual air being drawn from the primary container before administration of the fluid from the secondary container is completed. Preparation for administration

1. Identify the blue infusion port.

2. Break off the blue tamper-evident cover from the freeflex® infusion port. Membrane below cover is sterile -disinfection of the membrane is not necessary!

3. Close roller clamp. Insert the spike until the blue plastic collar of the port meets the shoulder of the spike. Use a non-vented set or close the air inlet. 4. Hang the bag on the infusion stand. Press drip chamber to get fluid level. Prime infusion set. Connect and adjust flow rate.

Use according to the dosage table.

The following table is provided as a guide to dosage adjustment by weight.

   

0.4 microgram/kg/min Loading Dose Regimen Most Patients

0.4 microgram/kg/min Loading Dose Regimen Severe Kidney Failure

25 microgram/kg Dose Bolus Regimen Most Patients

25 microgram/kg Dose Bolus Regimen Severe Kidney Failure

Patient Weight (kg)

30 min Loading Infusion Rate (ml/hr)

Maintenance Infusion Rate (ml/hr)

30 min Loading Infusion Rate (ml/hr)

Maintenance Infusion Rate (ml/hr)

Bolus (ml)

Maintenance Infusion Rate (ml/hr)

Bolus (ml)

Maintenance Infusion Rate (ml/hr)

30-37

16

4

8

2

17

6

8

3

38-45

20

5

10

3

21

7

10

4

46-54

24

6

12

3

25

9

13

5

55-62

28

7

14

4

29

11

15

5

63-70

32

8

16

4

33

12

17

6

71-79

36

9

18

5

38

14

19

7

80-87

40

10

20

5

42

15

21

8

88-95

44

11

22

6

46

16

23

8

96-104

48

12

24

6

50

18

25

9

105-112

52

13

26

7

54

20

27

10

113-120

56

14

28

7

58

21

29

10

121-128

60

15

30

8

62

22

31

11

129-137

64

16

32

8

67

24

33

12

138-145

68

17

34

9

71

25

35

13

146-153

72

18

36

9

75

27

37

13

Where the solution and container permit, parenteral drugs should be inspected for visible particles or discolouration before use. Aggrastat should only be given intravenously and may be administered with unfractionated heparin through the same infusion tube. It is recommended that Aggrastat be administered with a calibrated infusion set using sterile equipment. Care should be taken to ensure that no prolongation of the infusion of the initial dose occurs and that miscalculation of the infusion rates for the maintenance dose on the basis of the patient's weight is avoided.

Special precautions for storage Do not use Aggrastat after the expiry date which is stated on the bag after <EXP>. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not freeze. Keep container in foil overpouch (250 ml solution for infusion) in order to protect from light. Nature and contents of container Aggrastat is a clear, colourless solution available as follows: 250 ml Freeflex® container (non-PVC plastic), colourless, multilayer polyolefine film with polyolefin injection moulded tubes. It is packed in a preprinted foil overpouch. Pack size: 1 or 3 containers with 250 ml solution for infusion. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Special precautions for disposal and other handling Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Frequently asked questions about Aggrastat 50 mcg/ml Solution for infusion

How do I take Aggrastat 50 mcg/ml Solution for infusion?

Aggrastat 50 mcg/ml Solution for infusion comes as infusion containing 50mcg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Aggrastat 50 mcg/ml Solution for infusion?

The active substance in Aggrastat 50 mcg/ml Solution for infusion is tirofiban hydrochloride monohydrate.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Aggrastat 50 mcg/ml Solution for infusion, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Aggrastat 50 mcg/ml Solution for infusion without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Tirofiban hydrochloride monohydrate (2 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Aggrastat is indicated for the prevention of early myocardial infarction in adult patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes without ST elevation (NSTE-ACS) with the last episode of chest pain occurring within 12 hours and with ECG changes and/or elevated cardiac enzymes.

Patients most likely to benefit from Aggrastat treatment are those at high risk of developing myocardial infarction within the first 3-4 days after onset of acute angina symptoms including for instance those that are likely to undergo an early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Aggrastat is also indicated for the reduction of major cardiovascular events in patients with acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) intended for primary PCI (see sections 4.2 and 5.1)

Aggrastat is intended for use with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and unfractionated heparin.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

This product is for hospital use only, by specialist physicians experienced in the management of acute coronary syndromes.

Aggrastat Concentrate must be diluted before use.

Aggrastat should be administered with unfractionated heparin and oral antiplatelet therapy, including ASA.

Posology

In patients who are managed with an early invasive strategy for NSTE-ACS but not planned to undergo angiography for at least 4 hours and up to 48 hours after diagnosis, Aggrastat is given intravenously at an initial infusion rate of 0.4 microgram/kg/min for 30 minutes. At the end of the initial infusion, Aggrastat should be continued at a maintenance infusion rate of 0.1 microgram/kg/min. Aggrastat should be given with unfractionated heparin (usually an intravenous bolus of 50-60 units [U]/kg simultaneously with the start of Aggrastat therapy, then approximately 1,000 U per hour, titrated on the basis of the activated thromboplastin time [APTT], which should be about twice the normal value) and oral antiplatelet therapy, including but not limited to ASA (see section 5.1), unless contra-indicated.

In NSTE-ACS patients planned to undergo PCI within the first 4 hours of diagnosis or in patients with acute myocardial infarction intended for primary PCI, Aggrastat should be administered utilizing an initial bolus of 25 microgram/kg given over a 3 minute period, followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.15 microgram/kg/min for 12-24, and up to 48 hours. Aggrastat should be administered with unfractionated heparin (dosage as above) and oral antiplatelet therapy, including but not limited to ASA (see section 5.1), unless contra-indicated.

Elderly

No dosage adjustment is necessary for the elderly (see section 4.4).

Patients with severe kidney failure

In severe kidney failure (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min) the dosage of Aggrastat should be reduced by 50% (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of Aggrastat in children aged < 18 years have not been established.

No data are available.

Table 1 is provided as a guide to dosage adjustment by weight.

Aggrastat Concentrate must be diluted to the same strength as Aggrastat Solution, as noted under Instructions for Use.

Table 1: Dosing Table

Patient Weight (kg)

0.4 microgram/kg/min Loading Dose Regimen

Most Patients

0.4 microgram/kg/min Loading Dose Regimen

Severe Kidney Failure

25 microgram/kg

Dose Bolus Regimen

Most Patients

25 microgram/kg

Dose Bolus Regimen

Severe Kidney Failure

30 min Loading Infusion Rate

(ml/hr)

Maintenance Infusion Rate

(ml/hr)

30 min Loading Infusion Rate

(ml/hr)

Maintenance Infusion Rate

(ml/hr)

Bolus

(ml)

Maintenance Infusion Rate

(ml/hr)

Bolus

(ml)

Maintenance Infusion Rate

(ml/hr)

30-37

16

4

8

2

17

6

8

3

38-45

20

5

10

3

21

7

10

4

46-54

24

6

12

3

25

9

13

5

55-62

28

7

14

4

29

11

15

5

63-70

32

8

16

4

33

12

17

6

71-79

36

9

18

5

38

14

19

7

80-87

40

10

20

5

42

15

21

8

88-95

44

11

22

6

46

16

23

8

96-104

48

12

24

6

50

18

25

9

105-112

52

13

26

7

54

20

27

10

113-120

56

14

28

7

58

21

29

10

121-128

60

15

30

8

62

22

31

11

129-137

64

16

32

8

67

24

33

12

138-145

68

17

34

9

71

25

35

13

146-153

72

18

36

9

75

27

37

13

Start and duration of therapy with Aggrastat

In patients who are managed with an early invasive strategy for NSTE-ACS but not planned to undergo angiography for at least 4 hours and up to 48 hours after diagnosis, Aggrastat 0.4 microgram/kg/min loading dose regimen should be initiated upon diagnosis. The recommended duration of the maintenance infusion should be at least 48 hours. Infusion of Aggrastat and unfractionated heparin may be continued during coronary angiography and should be maintained for at least 12 hours and not more than 24 hours after angioplasty/atherectomy. Once a patient is clinically stable and no coronary intervention procedure is planned by the treating physician, the infusion should be discontinued. The entire duration of treatment should not exceed 108 hours.

If the patient diagnosed with NSTE-ACS and managed with an invasive strategy undergoes angiography within 4 hours after the diagnosis, the Aggrastat 25 microgram/kg dose bolus regimen should be initiated at the start of PCI with the infusion continued for 12-24 hours and up to 48 hours.

In patients with acute myocardial infarction intended for primary PCI, the 25 microgram/kg dose bolus regimen should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Concurrent therapy (unfractionated heparin, oral antiplatelet therapy, including ASA)

Treatment with unfractionated heparin is initiated with an i.v. bolus of 50-60 U/kg and then continued with a maintenance infusion of 1,000 U per hour. The heparin dosage is titrated to maintain an APTT of approximately twice the normal value.

Unless contra-indicated, all patients should receive oral antiplatelet agents, including but not limited to ASA, before the start of Aggrastat (see section 5.1). This medication should be continued at least for the duration of the infusion of Aggrastat.

Most studies investigating the administration of Aggrastat as an adjunct to PCI have used ASA in combination with clopidogrel as oral antiplatelet therapy. The efficacy of the combination of Aggrastat with either prasugrel or ticagrelor has not been established in randomised controlled trials..

If angioplasty (PCI) is required, heparin should be stopped after PCI, and the sheaths should be withdrawn once coagulation has returned to normal, e.g. when the activated clotting time (ACT) is less than 180 seconds (usually 2-6 hours after discontinuation of heparin).

Method of administration

AGGRASTAT SOLUTION

Instructions for use

Check the expiry date.

Do not withdraw solution directly from the container with a syringe.

To open: Tear foil overpouch (250 ml Solution for Infusion) at notch and remove inner container. Check for minute leaks by squeezing inner bag firmly. If leaks are found, discard solution as sterility may be impaired.

Do not use unless solution is clear and seal is intact.

Do not add supplementary medication or withdraw solution directly from the bag with a syringe.

CAUTION: Do not use plastic containers in series connections. Such use could result in air embolism due to residual air being drawn from the primary container before administration of the fluid from the secondary container is completed.

Preparation for administration

1. Identify the blue infusion port.

2. Break off the blue tamper-evident cover from the freeflex® infusion port. Membrane below cover is sterile –disinfection of the membrane is not necessary!

3. Close roller clamp. Insert the spike until the blue plastic collar of the port meets the shoulder of the spike. Use a non-vented set or close the air inlet.

4. Hang the bag on the infusion stand. Press drip chamber to get fluid level. Prime infusion set. Connect and adjust flow rate.

Use according to the dosage table above.

AGGRASTAT CONCENTRATE

Instructions for use

Aggrastat Concentrate must be diluted before use:

1. Draw 50 ml from a 250 ml container of sterile 0.9% saline or 5% glucose in water and replace with 50 ml Aggrastat (from one 50 ml puncture vial) to make up a concentration of 50 microgram/ml. Mix well before use.

2. Use according to the dosage table above.

FOR BOTH FORMULATIONS

Where the solution and container permit, parenteral drugs should be inspected for visible particles or discoloration before use.

Aggrastat should only be given intravenously and may be administered with unfractionated heparin through the same infusion tube.

It is recommended that Aggrastat be administered with a calibrated infusion set using sterile equipment.

Care should be taken to ensure that no prolongation of the infusion of the initial dose occurs and that miscalculation of the infusion rates for the maintenance dose on the basis of the patient's weight is avoided.

4.3. Contraindications

Aggrastat is contra-indicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active substance or to any of the excipients of the preparation listed in section 6.1 or who developed thrombocytopenia during earlier use of a GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist.

Since inhibition of platelet aggregation increases the bleeding risk, Aggrastat is contra-indicated in patients with:

• History of stroke within 30 days or any history of haemorrhagic stroke.

• Known history of intracranial disease (e.g. neoplasm, arteriovenous malformation, aneurysm).

• Active or recent (within the previous 30 days of treatment) clinically relevant bleeding (e.g. gastro-intestinal bleeding).

• Malignant hypertension.

• Relevant trauma or major surgical intervention within the past six weeks.

• Thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100,000/mm3), disorders of platelet function.

• Clotting disturbances (e.g. prothrombin time >1.3 times normal or INR [International Normalised Ratio] >1.5).

• Severe liver failure.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

The administration of Aggrastat alone without unfractionated heparin is not recommended.

There is limited experience with concomitant administration of Aggrastat with enoxaparin (see sections 5.1 and 5.2). The concomitant administration of Aggrastat with enoxaparin is associated with a higher frequency of cutaneous and oral bleeding events, but not in TIMI bleeds**, when compared with the concomitant administration of Aggrastat and unfractionated heparin. An increased risk of serious bleeding events associated with the concomitant administration of Aggrastat and enoxaparin cannot be excluded, particularly in patients given additional unfractionated heparin in conjunction with angiography and/or PCI. The efficacy of Aggrastat in combination with enoxaparin has not been established. The safety and efficacy of Aggrastat with other low molecular weight heparins has not been investigated.

There is insufficient experience with the use of tirofiban hydrochloride in the following diseases and conditions, however, an increased risk of bleeding is suspected. Therefore, tirofiban hydrochloride is not recommended in:

• Traumatic or protracted cardiopulmonary resuscitation, organ biopsy or lithotripsy within the past two weeks

• Severe trauma or major surgery >6 weeks but <3 months previously

• Active peptic ulcer within the past three months

• Uncontrolled hypertension (>180/110 mm Hg)

• Acute pericarditis

• Active or a known history of vasculitis

• Suspected aortic dissection

• Haemorrhagic retinopathy

• Occult blood in the stool or haematuria

• Thrombolytic therapy (see section 4.5).

• Concurrent use of drugs that increase the risk of bleeding to a relevant degree (see section 4.5).

There is no therapeutic experience with tirofiban hydrochloride in patients for whom thrombolytic therapy is indicated. Consequently, the use of tirofiban hydrochloride is not recommended in combination with thrombolytic therapy.

Aggrastat infusion should be stopped immediately if circumstances arise that necessitate thrombolytic therapy (including acute occlusion during PCI) or if the patient must undergo an emergency coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation or requires an intra-aortic balloon pump.

Paediatric population

There is no therapeutic experience with Aggrastat in children, thus, the use of Aggrastat is not recommended in these patients.

Other precautionary notes and measures

There are insufficient data regarding the re-administration of Aggrastat.

Patients should be carefully monitored for bleeding during treatment with Aggrastat. If treatment of haemorrhage is necessary, discontinuation of Aggrastat should be considered (see section 4.9). In cases of major or uncontrollable bleeding, tirofiban hydrochloride should be discontinued immediately.

Aggrastat should be used with special caution in the following conditions and patient groups:

• Recent clinically relevant bleeding (less than one year)

• Puncture of a non-compressible vessel within 24 hours before administration of Aggrastat

• Recent epidural procedure (including lumbar puncture and spinal anaesthesia)

• Severe acute or chronic heart failure

• Cardiogenic shock

• Mild to moderate liver insufficiency

• Platelet count <150,000/mm3, known history of coagulopathy or platelet function disturbance or thrombocytopenia

• Haemoglobin concentration less than 11 g/dl or haematocrit <34%.

Special caution should be used during concurrent administration of ticlopidine, clopidogrel, adenosine, dipyridamole, sulfinpyrazone, and prostacyclin.

Efficacy with regard to dose

The administration of a 10 microgram/kg bolus regimen of tirofiban failed to show noninferiority in clinically relevant endpoints at 30 days compared to abciximab (see section 5.1).

Elderly patients, female patients, and patients with low body weight

Elderly and/or female patients had a higher incidence of bleeding complications than younger or male patients, respectively. Patients with a low body weight had a higher incidence of bleeding than patients with a higher body weight. For these reasons Aggrastat should be used with caution in these patients and the heparin effect should be carefully monitored.

Impaired renal function

There is evidence from clinical studies that the risk of bleeding increases with decreasing creatinine clearance and hence also reduced plasma clearance of tirofiban. Patients with decreased renal function (creatinine clearance <60ml/min) should therefore be carefully monitored for bleeding during treatment with Aggrastat and the heparin effect should be carefully monitored. In severe kidney failure the Aggrastat dosage should be reduced (see section 4.2).

Femoral artery line

During treatment with Aggrastat there is a significant increase in bleeding rates, especially in the femoral artery area, where the catheter sheath is introduced. Care should be taken to ensure that only the anterior wall of the femoral artery is punctured. Arterial sheaths may be removed when coagulation has returned to normal, e.g. when activated clotting time (ACT) is less than 180 seconds, (usually 2–6 hours after discontinuation of heparin).

After removal of the introducer sheath, careful haemostasis should be ensured under close observation.

General nursing care

The number of vascular punctures, and intramuscular injections should be minimised during the treatment with Aggrastat. I.V. access should only be obtained at compressible sites of the body. All vascular puncture sites should be documented and closely monitored. The use of urinary catheters, nasotracheal intubation and nasogastric tubes should be critically considered.

Monitoring of laboratory values

Platelet count, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels should be determined before treatment with Aggrastat as well as within 2-6 hours after start of therapy with Aggrastat and at least once daily thereafter while on therapy (or more often if there is evidence of a marked decrease). In patients who have previously received GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonists (cross reactivity can occur), the platelet count should be monitored immediately e.g. within the first hour of administration after re-exposure (see section 4.8). If the platelet count falls below 90,000/mm3, further platelet counts should be carried out in order to rule out pseudothrombocytopenia. If thrombocytopenia is confirmed, Aggrastat and heparin should be discontinued. Patients should be monitored for bleeding and treated if necessary (see section 4.9).

In addition, activated thromboplastin time (APTT) should be determined before treatment and the anticoagulant effects of heparin should be carefully monitored by repeated determinations of APTT and the dose should be adjusted accordingly (see section 4.2). Potentially life-threatening bleeding may occur especially when heparin is administered with other products affecting haemostasis, such as GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonists.

Sodium content

Aggrastat Solution

Aggrastat solution for infusion contains approximately 917 mg of sodium per 250 ml bag which should be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.

**TIMI major bleeds are defined as a haemoglobin drop of > 50g/l with or without an identified site, intracranial haemorrhage, or cardiac tamponade. TIMI minor bleeds are defined as a haemoglobin drop of > 30 g/l but ≤ 50 g/l with bleeding from a known site or spontaneous gross haematuria, haematemesis, or haemoptysis. TIMI “loss no site” is defined as a haemoglobin drop > 40 g/l but < 50 g/l without an identified bleeding site.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

The use of several platelet aggregation inhibitors increases the risk of bleeding, likewise their combination with heparin, warfarin and thrombolytics. Clinical and biological parameters of haemostasis should be regularly monitored.

The concomitant administration of Aggrastat and ASA increases the inhibition of platelet aggregation to a greater extent than ASA alone, as measured by ex vivo APD- induced platelet aggregation test. The concomitant administration of Aggrastat and unfractionated heparin increases the prolongation of the bleeding time to a greater extent as compared to unfractionated heparin alone.

With the concurrent use of Aggrastat, unfractionated heparin, ASA, and clopidogrel there was a comparable incidence of bleeding than when only unfractionated heparin, ASA, and clopidogrel were used together (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

Aggrastat prolonged bleeding time; however, the combined administration of Aggrastat and ticlopidine did not additionally affect bleeding time.

Concomitant use of warfarin with Aggrastat plus heparin was associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

Aggrastat is not recommended in thrombolytic therapy - concurrent or less than 48 hours before administration of tirofiban hydrochloride or concurrent use of drugs that increase the risk of bleeding to a relevant degree (e.g. oral anticoagulants, other parenteral GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, dextran solutions). There is insufficient experience with the use of tirofiban hydrochloride in these conditions; however, an increased risk of bleeding is suspected.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no or limited amount of data from the use of tirofiban hydrochloride in pregnant women. Animal studies are insufficient with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Aggrastat is not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.

Breastfeeding

It is unknown whether tirofiban hydrochloride is excreted in human milk. Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of tirofiban hydrochloride in milk (for details see section 5.3). A risk to the newborn cannot be excluded. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue Aggrastat therapy, taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Fertility

Fertility and reproductive performance were not affected in studies with male and female rats treated with different doses of tirofiban hydrochloride (see section 5.3).

However, animal studies are insufficient to draw conclusions with respect to reproductive toxicity in humans.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Not relevant.

4.8. Undesirable effects

a. Summary of safety profile

The most common adverse reaction reported during therapy with Aggrastat, when used concomitantly with heparin, aspirin and other oral anti-platelet agents, was bleeding, which usually involved mild mucocutaneous bleeding or mild catheterization-site bleeding.

Gastro-intestinal, retro-peritoneal, intracranial, haemorrhoidal and post-operative bleeding, epidural haematoma in the spinal region, haemopericardium and pulmonary (alveolar) haemorrhage have also been reported. Rates of TIMI major and intracranial bleeding in the pivotal Aggrastat studies were ≤2.2% and <0.1%, respectively. The most serious adverse reaction was fatal bleeding.

In the pivotal studies, administration of Aggrastat was associated with thrombocytopenia (platelet count <90,000/mm3), occurring in 1.5% of patients treated with Aggrastat and heparin. The incidence of severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50,000/mm3) was 0.3%. The most common non-bleeding adverse drug reactions associated with Aggrastat given concurrently with heparin were nausea (1.7%), fever (1.5%) and headache (1.1%).

b. Tabulated summary of adverse reactions

Table 2 lists the adverse reactions based on experience from six double-blind controlled clinical studies (including 1953 patients receiving Aggrastat plus heparin) as well as adverse reactions reported from post-marketing experience. Within the organ system classes, adverse reactions are listed under headings of frequency using the following categories: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Because post-marketing events are derived from spontaneous reports from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to determine their exact incidence. Therefore, the frequency of these adverse reactions is categorised as not known.

Table 2: Undesirable effects in clinical studies and from post-marketing experience.

System Organ Class

Very common

Common

Uncommon

Not known

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Acute and/or severe (<20,000/mm3) decreases in platelet counts

Immune System Disorders

Severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic reactions.

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Intracranial bleeding, spinal epidural haematoma

Cardiac disorders

Hemopericardium

Vascular disorders

Haematoma

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Haemoptysis, epistaxis

Pulmonary (alveolar) haemorrhage

Gastrointestinal disorders

Nausea

Oral haemorrhage gingival haemorrhage

GI haemorrhage, haematemesis

Retroperitoneal bleeding

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Ecchymosis

Renal and urinary disorders

Haematuria

General disorders and administration site conditions

Fever

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Post-operative haemorrhage*

Vessel puncture site haemorrhage

Investigations

Occult blood in stool or urine

Decreases in haematocrit and haemoglobin, platelet counts <90,000/mm3

Platelet counts <50,000/mm3

*Primarily related to catheterization sites.

c. Description of selected adverse reactions

Bleeding

Both, with the Aggrastat 0.4 microgram/kg/min infusion regimen and the 25 microgram/kg dose bolus regimen, rates of major bleeding complications are low and not significantly increased.

In the PRISM-PLUS study, using the Aggrastat 0.4 microgram/kg/min infusion regimen, the incidence of TIMI major bleeding was 1.4% for Aggrastat in combination with heparin and 0.8% for heparin alone. The incidence of TIMI minor bleeding was 10.5% for Aggrastat in combination with heparin and 8.0% for heparin alone. The percentage of patients who received a transfusion was 4.0% for Aggrastat in combination with heparin and 2.8% for heparin alone.

With the Aggrastat 25 microgram/kg dose bolus regimen, data from the ADVANCE study suggest that the number of bleeding events is low and does not seem to be significantly increased compared to placebo. There were no TIMI major bleedings and no transfusions in either group. TIMI minor bleeding with the Aggrastat 25 microgram/kg dose bolus regimen was 4% as compared with 1% in the placebo arm p=0.19).

In the On-TIME 2 study, there were no significant differences in the incidence of TIMI major bleeding (3.4% vs. 2.9% p =0.58) and TIMI minor bleeding (5.9% vs. 4.4%; p=0.206) between the Aggrastat 25 microgram/kg dose bolus regimen and the control arm.

The rates of TIMI major (2.4% vs. 1.6%; p=0.44) or minor bleeding (4.8% vs. 6.2%; p=0.4) were also not significantly different between the Aggrastat 25 microgram/kg dose and the standard dose of abciximab, which were compared in the MULTISTRATEGY study.

Based upon an assessment of haemorrhagic complications performed in the context of a meta-analysis (n=4076 ACS patients), the Aggrastat 25 microgram/kg dose bolus regimen does not significantly increase the rates of major bleeding, or thrombocytopenia, when compared to placebo. When considering the trials of the Aggrastat 25 microgram/kg bolus regimen compared with abciximab, individual study results do not demonstrate a significant difference in major bleeding between the two treatments.

Thrombocytopenia

During Aggrastat therapy, acute decreases in platelet count or thrombocytopenia occurred more frequently than in the placebo group. These decreases were reversible upon discontinuation of Aggrastat. Acute and severe platelet (platelet counts <20,000/mm3) decreases have been observed in patients with no prior history of thrombocytopenia upon re-administration of GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonists and may be associated with chills, low-grade fever or bleeding complications.

Analysis of the studies comparing the 25 microgram/kg dose bolus regimen against abciximab yielded a significantly lower rate of thrombocytopenia for Aggrastat (0.45% vs. 1.7%; OR=0.31; p=0.004).

Allergic reactions

Severe allergic reactions (e.g., bronchospasm, urticaria) including anaphylactic reactions have occurred during initial treatment (also on the first day) and during readministration of Aggrastat. Some cases have been associated with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet counts <10,000/mm3).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Inadvertent overdose with tirofiban hydrochloride occurred in the clinical studies, up to 50 microgram/kg as a three minute bolus or 1.2 microgram/kg/min as an initial infusion. Overdose with up to 1.47 microgram/kg/min as a maintenance infusion rate has also occurred.

a) Symptoms of overdose

The symptom of overdose most commonly reported was bleeding, usually mucosal bleeding and localised bleeding at the arterial puncture site for cardiac catheterisation but also single cases of intracranial haemorrhages and retroperitoneal bleedings (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).

b) Measures

Overdose with tirofiban hydrochloride should be treated in accordance with the patient's condition and the attending physician's assessment. If treatment of haemorrhage is necessary, the Aggrastat infusion should be discontinued. Transfusions of blood and/or thrombocytes should also be considered. Aggrastat can be removed by haemodialysis.

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