Ascard Plus Tablet 81mg / 75mg

About Ascard Plus Tablet 81mg / 75mg

Uses

• Prevention of blood clots after a heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Prevention of clot formation after an ischemic stroke or mini stroke (TIA)
• Prevention of clot formation inside a coronary stent after angioplasty
• Reducing the risk of repeat cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome
• Long term secondary prevention of heart attack and stroke in high risk patients

Benefits

• Combines two antiplatelet drugs for stronger clot prevention than aspirin alone
• Reduces the risk of stent blockage (stent thrombosis) after angioplasty
• Lowers the chance of a second heart attack or stroke in vulnerable patients
• Convenient single tablet dosing instead of taking two separate medicines

What Experts Say

Cardiologists prescribe dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel when one antiplatelet drug alone cannot fully protect a high risk heart patient. The two drugs block platelet activation through separate pathways, giving stronger clot prevention than either drug used alone. This combination is standard practice after a heart attack, an ischemic stroke, or coronary stent placement.

Doctors typically prescribe this combination for a defined period, often several months to a year, depending on stent type and overall cardiac risk. Stopping either medicine early can raise the risk of a clot forming inside a stent, so physicians stress strict adherence.

This added protection carries a trade off, since dual antiplatelet therapy raises the chance of bruising and gastrointestinal bleeding versus aspirin alone. Physicians often add a stomach protecting medicine and ask patients to report unusual bleeding or black stools promptly. Pakistan carries a heavy burden of premature heart disease, so this combination is increasingly relied upon to lower repeat cardiac events in younger adults.

Drug Class

• Antiplatelet combination (Cyclooxygenase inhibitor + P2Y12 receptor inhibitor)

Ascard Plus Tablet 81mg / 75mg formula

• Aspirin 81mg + Clopidogrel 75mg

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Ascard Plus Tablet 81mg / 75mg?

• Take Ascard Plus Tablet exactly as prescribed by your cardiologist, usually once daily
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, do not crush, split, or chew it
• Take the tablet with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset
• Try to take it at the same time every day to keep a steady level in the blood
• Do not stop the tablet on your own, especially soon after a stent procedure
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose

Drug Interactions

• Other Blood Thinners (Warfarin, Heparin, Rivaroxaban): Combining with other anticoagulants sharply increases bleeding risk and generally should be avoided unless specifically directed
• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen): Increase the risk of stomach irritation and gastrointestinal bleeding when taken with this combination
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (Omeprazole, Esomeprazole): May reduce the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel by inhibiting the CYP2C19 enzyme needed to activate it; pantoprazole is often preferred if acid suppression is needed
• SSRIs and SNRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline): May further raise bleeding risk when combined with antiplatelet therapy
• Corticosteroids: Increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding with long term use
• Methotrexate: Aspirin can raise methotrexate blood levels and increase its toxicity
• Alcohol: Regular alcohol use raises the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding

Risks and warnings

• Bleeding Risk: This combination significantly raises the risk of serious bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding and bleeding inside the brain
• Surgery and Procedures: Tell your doctor and dentist about this medicine well before any surgery, tooth extraction, or invasive procedure, since it may need to be paused temporarily
• Stent Patients: Never stop this medicine abruptly after a coronary stent without your cardiologist's approval, since early stopping can trigger a sudden clot inside the stent
• Peptic Ulcer or GI Bleeding History: Use with caution and close monitoring if you have a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use only if a doctor confirms the benefit outweighs the risk, particularly in the third trimester
• Kidney or Liver Impairment: Use cautiously and under medical supervision, as clearance of both drugs may be affected
• Allergy: Avoid if you have a known allergy to aspirin, clopidogrel, or NSAIDs, or a history of aspirin induced asthma
• Active Bleeding: Do not use if you have active internal bleeding or a bleeding disorder

Ascard Plus Tablet 81mg / 75mg Side Effects

• Easy bruising or minor bleeding from cuts
• Nosebleeds
• Stomach upset, heartburn, or indigestion
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness or headache
• Skin rash or itching
• Gastrointestinal bleeding (serious, seek immediate care)
• Black or tarry stools (serious, seek immediate care)
• Unusual weakness or prolonged bleeding (serious, seek immediate care)

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature, between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius
• Keep the tablets in their original blister strip until ready to use
• Protect from moisture and direct sunlight, keep in a dry place
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the pack