Pletal

Pletal

Pletal is used for:

Reducing attacks of intermittent claudication (pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the foot, hip, thigh, or buttocks) that may occur after walking. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Pletal is a phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor. Pletal works by widening arteries that supply blood to the legs. It also decreases the ability of platelets (particles in the blood involved in blood clotting) to stick together.

Do NOT use Pletal if:

• you are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in Pletal
• you have heart failure

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Consider before using Pletal

Medical Conditions

There are medical conditions that can influence usage of Pletal . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the medical conditions below applies to you:

• if you are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• if you are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any medicine (either prescription or nonprescription), herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are allergic to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or kidney problems

Drugs Interaction

There are medicines that may interact with Pletal . Inform your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, in particular any from the list below:

• Certain medicines that act on the liver (eg, ketoconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem, omeprazole) because they may increase the actions of Pletal and side effects, such as toxicity, may occur

This is not a full list of all interactions that may occur. Clarify with your health care provider whether Pletal may interact with other medicines you take. Also, consult your health care provider in advance if you are going to start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Pletal Usage Guidelines

You should use Pletal as recommended by your doctor. Read the medicine's label for precise dosing instructions.

• Take Pletal by mouth at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you take Pletal .
• The effects of Pletal are not immediate. Although you may experience the benefits of Pletal 2 to 4 weeks after beginning treatment, treatment for up to 12 weeks may be necessary before Pletal takes effect.
• If you miss a dose of Pletal take it as soon as you get it remembered. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

Clarify with your health care provider any issues you may have about usage of Pletal .

Important safety information on pletal

• Pletal may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Pletal with caution. Refrain from driving or performing other possibly dangerous activities until you know how you react to it.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Pletal before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Pletal . These tests can be used to monitor your medical condition or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING: If you are pregnant or become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Pletal while you are pregnant. It is not known if Pletal is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Pletal .

Side effects may be caused by Pletal

Any medicine may cause side effects, but the majority of people have either slight side effects, or dont have it at all. Consult your doctor if any of the most COMMON side effects from the list below persist or start bothering you:

Abnormal stools; back pain; bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; diarrhea; dizziness; feeling of a whirling motion; gas; headache; increased cough; indigestion; infection; muscle aches; nausea; runny nose; sore throat; stomach pain; swelling of the legs and feet.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; fast or irregular heartbeat; pounding in the chest; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds.

It sholud be noted, that this is not a full list of possible side effects. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; fatigue; low blood pressure; severe headache; weakness.

Pletal storage instructions:

Store Pletal between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Pletal out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions on Pletal , please consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
• Pletal is supposed to be used only by the patient it is prescribed to. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or even become worse, inform your doctor.

This article is a summary only, and it does not provide all the information about Pletal . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

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