desirudin

What is the most important information I should know about desirudin?

Desirudin can cause a very serious blood clot around your spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural), especially if you are also using other drugs that can affect blood clotting, including blood thinners or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, and others). This type of blood clot can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis.

What is desirudin?

Desirudin is an anticoagulant (thrombin inhibitor) that helps prevent the formation of blood clots.

Desirudin is used to prevent a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). A DVT can occur after certain types of surgery. Desirudin is for use after hip replacement surgery.

Desirudin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using desirudin?

• active or uncontrolled bleeding; or
• an irreversible blood clotting disorder.

• you have a spinal cord injury;
• you have a spinal catheter in place;
• you have a history of spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps;
• you are taking an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or
• you are using a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin) or other medicines to treat or prevent blood clots.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease; or
• cirrhosis or other liver disease.

Desirudin may cause you to bleed more easily, especially if you have had:

• a bleeding disorder that is inherited or caused by disease;
• a hemorrhagic stroke;
• uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• bleeding inside your head;
• eye problems caused by diabetes;
• bleeding in your lungs, stomach, or intestines within the past 3 months;
• recent surgery, an organ transplant, or biopsy of an organ; or
• if you take steroid medicine (prednisone, dexamethasone, and others), or a salicylate (aspirin, choline salicylate, diflunisal, magnesium salicylate, salsalate, and others).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

How is desirudin given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Desirudin is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Desirudin is usually given every 12 hours for up to 12 days after your surgery. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Desirudin must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

Use only the syringe and needle provided with this medicine.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

You may need frequent medical tests.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose may cause excessive bleeding.

What should I avoid while using desirudin?

Avoid rubbing your skin after injecting this medicine, to prevent bruising.

What are the possible side effects of desirudin?

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual bleeding);
• pain, swelling, or drainage from a wound or where a needle was injected in your skin;
• bleeding from wounds or needle injections, any bleeding that will not stop;
• headache, dizziness, weakness, feeling like you might pass out;
• urine that looks red, pink, or brown; or
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Serious side effects may be more likely in adults who are 75 years or older.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea;
• vomiting; or
• fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect desirudin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• abciximab, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, eptifibatide, ticlopidine, tirofiban;
• alteplase, reteplase, tenecteplase, urokinase;
• argatroban, bivalirudin, dabigatran, fondaparinux, lepirudin, rivaroxaban; or
• dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, tinzaparin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect desirudin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about desirudin.