Prasugrel, the Generic Alternative to Effient®

What Prasugrel Is and How It Works

Prasugrel is an oral antiplatelet medicine in the thienopyridine class. It is used with aspirin to lower the risk of heart attack, stent thrombosis, and other clot-related events after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Prasugrel 10 mg is the most common maintenance strength; a 5 mg option exists for select patients. A prescription is required.

Youdrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and pharmacists review each prescription before dispensing. We also partner with licensed, vetted international pharmacies so you can access authentic brand medicines and generics at competitive prices and a broad selection.

Mechanism: prasugrel is a prodrug converted in the liver to an active metabolite that irreversibly blocks the platelet P2Y12 ADP receptor. This prevents platelet activation and aggregation for the lifespan of the affected platelets. After a loading dose, platelet inhibition begins within about 30 minutes and is robust by 1–4 hours. Because platelet inhibition is irreversible, effects persist until new platelets form.

Indications and use: prasugrel is used for ACS patients managed with PCI, such as those with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-elevation ACS. It is not typically used for stable coronary disease without PCI. Therapy is combined with daily aspirin as dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

Available forms: tablets in 10 mg and 5 mg strengths. Labels may state prasugrel HCl 10 mg or list “prasugrel tab 10mg.” The name brand is Effient; the effient 10 mg tablet contains the same active ingredient as generic prasugrel.

Dosage and Usage

• Loading dose: 60 mg once, given around the time of PCI, then continue a daily maintenance dose.
• Maintenance dose: 10 mg once daily, taken at the same time each day, with or without food.
• Low body weight: consider 5 mg once daily if body weight is under 60 kg due to higher bleeding risk.
• Age 75 and older: use is generally not recommended unless high-risk features are present; consider a 5 mg dose if prescribed.
• Co-therapy: use with daily aspirin as directed by the prescriber.
• Do not stop abruptly: stopping early after stenting may raise the risk of stent thrombosis.
• Missed dose: take the missed dose the same day when remembered. If the next day has started, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.
• Surgery and procedures: prescribers often advise holding prasugrel about 7 days before elective surgery to reduce bleeding risk.

• Store at 15–30°C (59–86°F) in a dry place away from moisture.
• Keep tablets in the original, child-resistant container with the label.
• Travel with enough medication for the full trip, plus extra days.
• Carry medicine in your hand luggage; avoid leaving it in a hot or cold car.
• Bring a copy of your prescription and the pharmacy label for airport security.
• Use a pill organizer only if it stays clean, dry, and labeled.

Benefits and Savings

Clinical benefits: in ACS patients managed with PCI, prasugrel reduces myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and other thrombotic events compared with clopidogrel in certain populations. It offers rapid, consistent platelet inhibition after a loading dose and simple once-daily maintenance. As a widely used generic, it provides reliable efficacy with predictable dosing.

Cost advantages: buying from Canada often lowers the prasugrel price. Many patients see 60–80% savings versus typical US pharmacy prices. Choosing a 90-day supply can reduce the prasugrel cost per month. You may also find a prasugrel discount during bulk promotions.

prasugrel coupon information is posted on our promotions page when available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Bleeding (from nose, gums, or cuts) and bruising
• Gastrointestinal bleeding symptoms (black or bloody stools)
• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea, indigestion, or diarrhea
• Fatigue or weakness
• Skin rash or itching
• Low blood pressure symptoms (lightheadedness)

Serious risks include life-threatening bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, and rare thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), which may present with fever, weakness, confusion, kidney problems, and small red or purple spots. Contraindications include active pathological bleeding and a history of stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack). Use requires caution in patients aged 75 years and older and in those under 60 kg. Tell clinicians about upcoming surgery, recent trauma, peptic ulcer disease, liver disease, or use with other drugs that increase bleeding risk.

Onset Time

With a 60 mg loading dose, platelet inhibition starts within about 30 minutes and is near maximal within 1–4 hours. Clinical protection begins as platelets are inhibited and continues with daily dosing. Without a loading dose, several days of maintenance therapy may be needed to reach steady inhibition. After stopping therapy, platelet function gradually returns over 5–9 days as new platelets are produced.

Compare With Alternatives

Clopidogrel is another oral P2Y12 inhibitor used after ACS and PCI. It is taken once daily and has a long track record. Response can vary in people with reduced CYP2C19 metabolism. In some studies, prasugrel showed lower rates of stent thrombosis and certain ischemic events but a higher bleeding risk in some groups.

Ticagrelor is a reversible P2Y12 inhibitor dosed twice daily. It offers potent platelet inhibition without metabolic activation, and can be preferred in some patients. It may cause dyspnea and interacts with strong CYP3A inhibitors/inducers. Bleeding risk remains a central consideration, as with all antiplatelets.

Brand versus generic: Effient medicine and generic prasugrel contain the same active ingredient. An effient 10 mg tablet and a prasugrel 10 mg tablet are clinically equivalent when used as directed. Generic options often reduce the overall prasugrel cost while maintaining efficacy.

Combination Therapy

• Aspirin: standard DAPT after PCI pairs aspirin with a P2Y12 inhibitor.
• Statins, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors: commonly used for secondary prevention; no direct dosing changes to prasugrel.
• Proton pump inhibitors: may be used for GI protection if bleeding risk is high.
• Oral anticoagulants: combining with warfarin or DOACs increases bleeding; clinicians often use the shortest necessary overlap.
• NSAIDs: concurrent use raises bleeding risk; alternatives are often preferred.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Who may be a candidate: adults with ACS who undergo PCI and need DAPT. Typical maintenance dosing is 10 mg daily with aspirin after a 60 mg load. A 5 mg daily dose may be considered for patients under 60 kg or certain older adults when bleeding risk is elevated.

Who should not use it: patients with active bleeding or a history of stroke/TIA should not take prasugrel. Use is generally avoided in those 75 and older unless potential benefits outweigh risks. Caution is advised in severe liver disease and when surgery is planned soon. Always tell clinicians about all medicines and supplements.

Ways to save: generic options usually lower the prasugrel 10 mg tablet price. A 90-day quantity often offers a better per-month rate. Set a refill reminder so you reorder before running out. Bulk promotions may apply to multi-month supplies. If comparing the prasugrel cost per month across pharmacies, note tablet strengths (prasugrel 5 mg or 10 mg) and total quantity to get a fair comparison.

Ordering from Canada: you can place a secure order online or by phone during office hours, upload the prescription, and receive prompt, express shipping. Customer-service chat is available during posted hours if any help is needed with a prasugrel prescription.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Effient (prasugrel)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Prasugrel listings

Manufacturer information for Effient

Order prasugrel from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about diagnosis and treatment choices.