lepirudin

	What is the most important information I should know about lepirudin?
	What is lepirudin?
	What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking lepirudin?
	How should I take lepirudin?
	What happens if I miss a dose?
	What happens if I overdose?
	What should I avoid while taking lepirudin?
	What are the possible side effects of lepirudin?
	What other drugs will affect lepirudin?
	Where can I get more information?
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Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lepirudin, or to a similar medication called bivalirudin (Angiomax).

Before using lepirudin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney or liver disease, heart disease or infection, high blood pressure, stomach ulcer, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia, a history of stroke or recent biopsy, or any major bleeding from a surgery, injury, or medical trauma.

Tell your doctor if you are using or receiving blood thinners or any other medications used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase (Activase), anistreplase (Eminase), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine), streptokinase (Kabikinase, Streptase), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or urokinase (Abbokinase).

Because lepirudin keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

Lepirudin keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions.

Lepirudin is used to treat or prevent blood clots.

Lepirudin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lepirudin, or to a similar medication called bivalirudin (Angiomax).

Before using lepirudin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease;
• heart disease or infection;
• untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (such as hemophilia);
• any major bleeding from a surgery, injury, or other medical trauma;
• a stomach ulcer or bleeding, intestinal bleeding;
• a history of stroke; or
• if you have recently had any type of biopsy.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use lepirudin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with lepirudin and aspirin.

It is not known whether lepirudin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Lepirudin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will most likely receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Lepirudin must be given slowly through an IV infusion. This medication is usually given continuously for 2 to 10 days, or longer if needed.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis while you are receiving lepirudin.

Because lepirudin keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

Since lepirudin is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting as needed, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a lepirudin overdose may include severe bleeding.

Lepirudin lowers blood cells that help your blood clot. This can make it easier for you to bruise or bleed from an injury or minor cut. Avoid activities that increase your risk of a bruising or bleeding injury. Use extra caution to avoid cuts when brushing your teeth or shaving.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking lepirudin. Alcohol may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• pain or swelling in one or both legs;
• any bleeding that will not stop;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);
• decreased blood pressure (feeling light-headed or fainting); or
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• pain in your back or pelvis;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or upset;
• feeling restless or nervous;
• headache;
• fever;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• pain, bleeding, or irritation where the injection was given.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before receiving lepirudin, tell your doctor if you are using or receiving any of the following drugs:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, ardeparin (Normiflo), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep); or
• any other medications used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase (Activase), anistreplase (Eminase), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine), streptokinase (Kabikinase, Streptase), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or urokinase (Abbokinase).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use lepirudin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect lepirudin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist has information about lepirudin written for health professionals that you may read.