What is Desirudin?
Desirudin (a thrombin inhibitor) is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots from forming. Desirudin prevents a blood clot known as deep venous thrombosis, which can cause blood clots to form in the lungs. (pulmonary embolism). DVTs can happen after certain types of surgery. Desirudin can be used after hip surgery. Desirudin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Desirudin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: back pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or loss in bladder or bowel function.
Desirudin may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Easy bruising and bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums, heavy menstrual bleeding)
- Pain, swelling, or drainage where an injection was made or a wound is present;
- Any bleeding that does not stop, whether it is from a wound or an injection,
- Headache, dizziness, weakness and feeling as though you might pass out are symptoms that impede daily tasks;
- Urine that is red, pink or brown in hue;
- Bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Adults aged 75 or older may experience more serious side effects.
Some of the common side effects associated with desirudin include:
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor immediately if experiencing side effects; for help from the FDA on reporting side effects call 800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you are bleeding or have an irreversible blood-clotting disorder, desirudin should be avoided. Desirudin may cause a serious blood clot to form around the spinal cord if it is used in conjunction with other blood-thinning drugs or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or Advil. This type of clot may cause long-term paralysis or even permanent paralysis. If you experience symptoms such as lower back pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or loss in bladder or bowel function, seek emergency medical attention.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- Active or uncontrolled bleeding
- An irreversible blood clotting disorder.
Desirudin may cause a serious blood clot to form around your spinal cord if you have a spinal tap performed or are given spinal anesthesia. This type of blood clot can cause permanent or long-term paralysis.Your likelihood increases dramatically if:
- You have an injury to the spinal cord.
- You have a spinal cath in place.
- You have had spinal surgery before, or you've had repeated spinal taps.
- You are taking an NSAID. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam, and others.
- You are taking a blood thinner to prevent or treat blood clots (Warfarin or Coumadin).
Inform your physician of any of the following conditions:
- Kidney disease
- Liver diseases.
Desirudin can cause bleeding, especially after:
- A bleeding disorder caused by a disease or inherited
- A hemorrhagicstroke
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- You may be bleeding from the head.
- Diabetes can cause eye problems.
- If you have had bleeding in the lungs, stomach, or intestines within the last 3 months,
- Recent surgery, a transplant, or a biopsy of an organ;
- If you are taking a steroid (prednisone, dexamethasone, and others) or a salty substance (aspirin, magnesium sulicylate, and other salicylates),
Inform your doctor that you are expecting. Desirudin should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Desirudin?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all instructions on the label. Follow the directions on the label. Desirudin can be injected into the skin. You may be taught how to use the medicine by a healthcare provider. Desirudin can be given up to 12 days following surgery, usually every 12 hours. Dosage instructions should be followed very closely. Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication.If you don't understand, contact either your physician or pharmacist immediately for clarification. Desirudin should always be mixed with liquid (diluent). When administering injections on your own, make sure that you know exactly how to mix and store them. Use only the needle and syringe supplied with desirudin.
Prepare an injection only when ready to administer it. If the color or particle count changes from previous doses or there are new medication available from a pharmacy, do not use. In such a situation it would be prudent to call ahead first for advice from pharmacist. You may require frequent medical tests. Store powder and diluent away from heat, moisture, and light at a cool room temperature. Store desirudin at room temperature, away from lights, for 24 hours. Just use needles or syringes once, and store them immediately in an "as sharps" puncture-proof container after use. Follow local or state regulations regarding how best to dispose of your "as sharps" container while keeping pets and children away from access to its contents.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Deep Vein Thrombus: Prophylaxis
Initial dose: 15mg subcutaneously, 5–15 minutes before surgery (but only after the induction of regional anesthesia if it is used).
Maintenance dose: 15mg subcutaneously every 12 hours.
In controlled clinical trials, a treatment duration of up to 12 days (average of 9–12 days) was tolerated well.
Comment: Before administering this drug prophylactically, all patients should be evaluated to determine if they are at risk of bleeding disorders.
Use: preventive treatment of deep vein thrombosis in patients who undergo elective hip replacement surgery.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed a dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out immediately if a poison situation develops; call the Poison Help hotline on 1-800-222-1222, or seek emergency medical treatment immediately. An overdose may cause excessive bleeding.
What should be avoided?
Avoid touching or massaging your skin after injecting desirudin to avoid any accidental bruises or soreness. Avoid any activity that could increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Take extra precautions to avoid bleeding when shaving or brushing your teeth.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Abciximab, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, eptifibatide, ticlopidine, and tirofiban
- Alteplase, reteplase, tenecteplase, urokinase;
- Argatroban, bivalirudin, dabigatran, fondaparinux, lepirudin, rivaroxaban;
- Dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, and tinzaparin.
This list is incomplete. Desirudin may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
