Administration:   By mouth as a tablet or syrup, or intravenously.

 

Action: Amicar helps prevent the dissolution of blood clots.  It is useful for maintaining clots at the site of bleeding to permit healing.  It is most useful in preventing the breakdown of clots in mucous membranes (nose, mouth and gastrointestinal tract) in children with bleeding disorders.

 

Side Effects:       

              Expected:      Mild stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting or headache.

 

              Occasional:    Dizziness, muscle aches, or weakness, skin rash, and ringing or buzzing in the ears.  Some people may get a stuffy nose while on this medication.

 

              Rare:            Chest pain, slurred speech, blurred vision, decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of face, feet or lower legs, slow or irregular heartbeat.  Contact your doctor immediately if your child experiences any of these side effects.

 

              Very Rare:     Heart attack, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis.

 

Special Considerations:  

  1. It is important to take this medication only as directed by your doctor.  The amount of Amicar you/your child takes will change as you/your child’s weight changes.
  2. Amicar can be taken with or without food.  Take Amicar with food if you/your child develop an upset stomach.
  3. Other medications should be avoided while on Amicar, unless prescribed by your doctor.  Consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.
  4. Do not take Amicar if you/your child is receiving factor IX concentrates.
  5. Do not take during pregnancy.
  6. If you miss a dose of Amicar, take it as soon as you remember.  Then take your remaining doses of the day at regularly-spaced times.  If you have questions about how to make up a missed dose, contact your pharmacist. 
  7. Do not take Amicar for kidney or bladder bleeding unless directed by your doctor.  Amicar should be used with caution in patients with heart, kidney or liver disease.