desirudin Health Article

Generic name(s):

desirudin

Brand name(s):

Iprivask

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

There is a risk of bleeding in the spinal or epidural space, possibly resulting in paralysis, when desirudin is used along with spinal or epidural anesthesia or spinal puncture. This risk may be increased by the use of indwelling epidural catheters or by the concomitant use of drugs that affect blood clotting.

Desirudin is intended for subcutaneous (into the fat) injection. Do not inject this medication intramuscularly (into the muscle) or intravenously (into the vein). Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and others), indomethacin (Indocin), or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication without first talking to your doctor. These medicines may lead to bleeding when taken with desirudin. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication while taking desirudin.

What is desirudin?

Desirudin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Desirudin prevents the formation of blood clots.

Desirudin is used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (a type of blood clot), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung), in patients undergoing hip replacement surgery.

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

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

Do not use desirudin if you

• have a very low level of platelets in your blood;

• have uncontrolled active bleeding;

• have an allergy to desirudin or other blood thinners; or

• cannot have accurate blood testing done prior to and during dosing.

Before using desirudin, tell your doctor if you

• have bacterial endocarditis;

• have high blood pressure that is not being controlled;

• need to have or have recently had surgery, a biopsy, or another invasive procedure;

• have a history of stroke or bleeding in the brain;

• have a history of bleeding in the eyes (hemorrhagic retinopathy);

• have eye problems due to diabetes (diabetic retinopathy);

• have hemophilia or another blood disorder;

• have a stomach ulcer;

• have liver disease; or
• have kidney disease.

You may not be able to use desirudin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Desirudin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use desirudin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether desirudin passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.