Bivalirudin injection

What is bivalirudin injection?

BIVALIRUDIN (Angiomax®, Hirulog®) is an anticoagulant, sometimes called a blood thinner, that is used in the hospital setting. Generic bivalirudin injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive bivalirudin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders or hemophilia

• bowel disease or diverticulitis

• infection of the heart valves

• having intramuscular injections

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• recent surgery or trauma

• stomach or intestinal ulcers

• weak or unstable blood vessels

• an unusual or allergic reaction to bivalirudin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Bivalirudin is for injection under the skin or for infusion into a vein in the hospital setting. It is given by a health-care professional.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with bivalirudin?

• agents that dissolve blood clots, like heparin

• anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (example: Motrin®), naproxen (example: Aleve®) or ketoprofen (example: Orudis®)

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• blood thinners such as warfarin

• cilostazol

• clopidogrel

• dipyridamole

• fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements

• some herbal medicines, like garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, or horse chestnut supplements

• ticlopidine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking bivalirudin?

Monitor your skin closely for easy bruising or red spots. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you have received bivalirudin.

Be careful to avoid injury while you are receiving bivalirudin. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries to your prescriber or health care professional.

What side effects might I notice from receiving bivalirudin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• back or stomach pain

• black, tarry stools

• blood in urine

• coughing up blood

• difficulty breathing or tightness in chest

• dizziness or fainting spells

• heavy menstrual bleeding

• hives, itching, or other unusual reaction

• nosebleeds

• unusual bruising or bleeding at any site

• wheezing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• irritation at the injection site

Where can I keep my medicine?

This medicine is given by a health care professional in a clinic or hospital setting. You will not need to take this medicine at home.