eptifibatide Health Article

Generic name(s):

eptifibatide

Brand name(s):

Integrilin

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

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to eptifibatide, or to similar drugs such as abciximab (ReoPro) or eptifibatide (Integrilin)

Do not receive this medication if you have a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis, severe liver disease, severe high blood pressure, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, a history of head injury, brain tumor, or blood clot in the brain (aneurysm), a stroke or any type of bleeding within the past 30 days, or any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 6 weeks.

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 with eptifibatide and aspirin.

Because eptifibatide 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.

What is eptifibatide?

Eptifibatide keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that 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 other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to eptifibatide, if you have or will soon receive treatment with similar medications such as abciximab (ReoPro) or tirofiban (Aggrastat), or if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• a severe form of hypertension (high blood pressure);

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia;

• a history of blood clot in the brain (aneurysm);

• if you have had a stroke or any type of bleeding within the past 30 days; or

• if you have had any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 6 weeks.

Before using eptifibatide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs

FDA Pregnancy Category B. Eptifibatide is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether eptifibatide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.