High-dose tirofiban as effective as abciximab in reducing ST-segment elevation in STEMI patients

Platelets are blood cells that provide an early defense from the potential complications of vascular injury. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets adhere to the site and promote blood clot formation. Clot formation prevents bleeding and recruits other cells to help heal the damage. While usually a beneficial process, these effects can be harmful when a clot forms on a ruptured lipid plaque within the coronary vasculature.

GP IIb/IIIa antagonists block the ability of platelets to aggregate, inhibiting clot formation and reducing the potential for cardiac ischemia. Over the last 8-10 years, several large-scale, placebo-controlled clinical trials have established the efficacy of intravenous GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors for patients with acute coronary syndrome who are medically managed or go to the cath lab.

About AGGRASTAT

Important Information about AGGRASTAT® Injection.

AGGRASTAT® is indicated for the prevention of early myocardial infarction in patients presenting with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction 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 PTCA.

In most patients, AGGRASTAT® should be administered intravenously, at an initial rate of 0.4 mcg/kg/min for 30 minutes and then continued at 0.1 mcg/kg/min. For complete information, please refer to the product's prescribing information. AGGRASTAT® is intended for use with acetylsalicylic acid and unfractionated heparin.

AGGRASTAT® (tirofiban hydrochloride) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of the product; active internal bleeding or a history of bleeding diathesis within the previous 30 days; or a history of intracranial hemorrhage, intracranial neoplasm, arteriovenous malformation, or aneurysm. Other contraindications to AGGRASTAT® include: a history of thrombocytopenia following prior exposure to AGGRASTAT®; history of stroke within 30 days or any history of hemorrhagic stroke; major surgical procedure or severe physical trauma within the previous month; or history, symptoms, or findings suggestive of aortic dissection. AGGRASTAT® is also contraindicated in patients with: severe hypertension (systolic blood pressure >180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >110 mmHg); concomitant use of another parenteral GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor; or acute pericarditis.