Effient (Prasugrel) is a prescription antiplatelet medication that helps prevent blood clots in people who have had a stent placed in their heart arteries. It belongs to a class of drugs called thienopyridine P2Y12 platelet inhibitors and is made by Daiichi Sankyo and Eli Lilly.

If you or a loved one has been prescribed Effient, this guide covers everything you need to know — from how it's used to how much it costs in 2026.

What Is Effient?

Effient is the brand name for Prasugrel, a blood-thinning (antiplatelet) drug. It works by blocking a specific receptor on your platelets called the P2Y12 receptor. This prevents your platelets from sticking together and forming clots that could block blood flow through your stent or arteries.

Effient is always taken together with aspirin. The two medications work as a team — aspirin blocks one clotting pathway while Effient blocks another — to give you stronger protection against blood clots.

For a deeper look at how it works, see our article on how Effient works, explained in plain English.

What Is Effient Used For?

Effient is FDA-approved to reduce the risk of blood clots (thrombotic cardiovascular events) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are treated with a stent procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

ACS includes several conditions:

• Unstable angina — Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart
• NSTEMI (non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction) — A type of heart attack
• STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) — A more severe type of heart attack

Effient is specifically used after a stent has been placed. It helps prevent the stent from becoming blocked by a blood clot (a dangerous condition called stent thrombosis).

How Is Effient Taken?

Effient is taken as an oral tablet, once daily. Here's the typical dosing:

• Loading dose: 60 mg taken once (usually given in the hospital during or after your stent procedure)
• Maintenance dose: 10 mg once daily
• Lower dose: 5 mg once daily for patients who weigh less than 60 kg (about 132 lbs)

Additional dosing details:

• Take it with or without food
• Do not break or crush the tablets
• Take it at the same time each day to help you remember
• Take with aspirin (75 mg to 325 mg daily) as directed by your doctor
• Keep taking it even if you feel well — stopping too soon increases your risk of a stent clot

Effient comes in two tablet strengths: 5 mg and 10 mg.

Who Should NOT Take Effient?

Effient is not safe for everyone. It carries a boxed warning — the FDA's most serious type of warning — about bleeding risk. You should not take Effient if you:

• Have active bleeding anywhere in your body (such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in your brain)
• Have a history of stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack, also called a mini-stroke)
• Are allergic to Prasugrel or any ingredient in Effient

Effient is also generally not recommended for:

• Patients age 75 and older — Higher risk of fatal and intracranial bleeding, unless the patient has diabetes or a history of prior heart attack
• Patients who may need urgent heart bypass surgery (CABG) — Effient should be stopped at least 7 days before surgery when possible

If any of these apply to you, your doctor may recommend an alternative antiplatelet medication such as Clopidogrel (Plavix) or Ticagrelor (Brilinta).

How Much Does Effient Cost?

The cost of Effient depends on whether you get the brand name or generic:

• Brand-name Effient: $400 to $733 for a 30-day supply
• Generic Prasugrel with a discount card: $19 to $50 for a 30-day supply
• Generic Prasugrel without a discount card: Around $400 to $423 retail

Most insurance plans cover generic Prasugrel as a preferred generic or Tier 2 medication. Brand Effient may require prior authorization or step therapy.

If you're paying out of pocket, a discount card can save you hundreds of dollars. For more on how to reduce your costs, see our detailed guide on how to save money on Effient.

Patient assistance programs are also available for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Daiichi Sankyo and Eli Lilly's Lilly Cares program both offer assistance for eligible patients.

Side Effects to Know About

The most common side effects of Effient include easy bruising, minor bleeding, headache, back pain, dizziness, and nausea. Serious side effects include severe bleeding, TTP (a rare blood condition), and allergic reactions.

For a complete guide to side effects and when to seek help, read our article on Effient side effects.

Final Thoughts

Effient is an important medication for protecting your heart after a stent procedure. Understanding what it's for, how to take it, and who shouldn't use it helps you get the most benefit while staying safe.

If you're having trouble finding Effient at your pharmacy, MedFinder can help you find a pharmacy near you that has it in stock. And always talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your medication.