eptifibatide

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

You should not receive eptifibatide if: you have severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure; you are on dialysis due to kidney failure; you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; you had a stroke or any type of bleeding within the past 30 days; or you had any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 6 weeks.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with eptifibatide and aspirin.

What is eptifibatide?

Eptifibatide helps to prevent platelets in your blood from sticking together and forming a blood clot. An unwanted blood clot can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions.

Eptifibatide is used to prevent blood clots or heart attack in people with severe chest pain or other conditions, and in those who are undergoing a procedure called angioplasty (to open blocked arteries).

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

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving eptifibatide?

• kidney failure and you are on dialysis;
• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia;
• if you have had a stroke or any type of bleeding within the past 30 days;
• if you have had any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 6 weeks; or
• if you have or will soon receive treatment with similar medications such as abciximab (ReoPro) or tirofiban (Aggrastat).

To make sure you can safely receive eptifibatide, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.

Eptifibatide is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, aspirin is sometimes given with eptifibatide, and aspirin can cause bleeding when it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Aspirin can also cause side effects in a newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

How is eptifibatide given?

Eptifibatide is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this medicine. Eptifibatide is sometimes given around the clock for up to 4 days in a row.

If you are receiving this injection during an angioplasty procedure, the medicine will be given throughout the entire procedure and for up to 24 hours after the procedure.

Eptifibatide is sometimes given together with aspirin. Follow your doctor's instructions about how much aspirin to take and for how long.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since eptifibatide is given by a healthcare professional, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while receiving eptifibatide?

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

What are the possible side effects of eptifibatide?

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• any bleeding that will not stop;
• bleeding around your IV or catheter, or in any place where your skin has been punctured with a needle;
• red or pink urine; or
• signs of stomach bleeding --bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

The risk of bleeding may be higher in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• bleeding; or
• feeling lightheaded.

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 eptifibatide?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others;
• a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
• any other medicines to treat or prevent blood clots --Plavix, Pradaxa, Xarelto, Ticlid, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with eptifibatide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about eptifibatide.