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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ticlopidine (Ticlid)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ticlopidine, or if you have:

• severe liver disease;
• any active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury); or
• a blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells) or low levels of platelets (cells that help your blood clot).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take ticlopidine:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia;
• a history of stroke, including TIA ("mini-stroke");
• a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• liver disease; or
• kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether ticlopidine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take ticlopidine (Ticlid)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Take ticlopidine with food.

Because ticlopidine keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using ticlopidine.

Store ticlopidine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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