Ticlopidine

Patients who have had a stroke or symptoms of an impending stroke but cannot take aspirin may take ticlopidine. Ticlopidine works by preventing the production of platelets in order to reduce the risk of blood clots and strokes. It may also be prescribed along with aspirin to stop clots from forming in coronary stents.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication can decrease the production of white blood cells along with platelets. As a result, patients who take this medication are more likely to develop infections because their immune systems are compromised.

Patients may also develop thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, or TTP. TTP is a serious problem in which the body doesn’t make enough platelets. It is characterized by jaundice, paleness, fever, difficulty speaking, pinpoint dots on the skin, seizures and weakness on one side of the body.