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Angiomax

Introduction to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Arteries have thin muscles within their walls to be able to withstand the pressure of the heart pumping blood to the far reaches of the body. Veins don't have a significant muscle lining, and there is nothing pumping blood back to the heart except physiology. Blood returns to the heart because the body's large muscles squeeze the veins as they contract in their normal activity of moving the body. The normal activities of moving the body returns the blood back to the heart.

There are two types of veins in the leg; superficial veins and deep veins. Superficial veins lie just below the skin and are easily seen on the surface. Deep veins, as their name implies, are located deep within the muscles of the leg. Blood flows from the superficial veins into the deep venous system through small perforator veins. Superficial and perforator veins have one-way valves within them that allow blood to flow only in the direc...

Angiomax

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ANGIOMAX®
(bivalirudin) for Injection, for Intravenous Use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Angiomax (bivalirudin) is a specific and reversible direct thrombin inhibitor. The active substance is a synthetic, 20 amino acid peptide. The chemical name is D-phenylalanyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl-L-prolyl-glycylglycyl-glycyl-glycyl-L-asparagyl-glycyl-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-glutamyl-L-glutamyl-L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-glutamyl-L-glutamyl-L-tyrosyl-L-leucine trifluoroacetate (salt) hydrate (Figure 1). The molecular weight of Angiomax (bivalirudin) is 2180 daltons (anhydrous free base peptide).

Angiomax (bivalirudin) is supplied in single-use vials as a white lyophilized cake, which is sterile. Each vial contains 250 mg bivalirudin, 125 mg mannitol, and sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 5-6 (equivalent of approximately 12.5 mg sodium). When reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection, the product yields a clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution, pH 5-6.

Figure 1. Structural Formula for Bivalirudin

ANGIOMAX® (bivalirudin) Structural Formula Illustration

What are the possible side effects of bivalirudin (Angiomax)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
  • sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
  • pain or swelling in one or both legs;
  • any bleeding that will not stop;
  • black, bloody, or tarry stools;
  • ...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Angiomax »

What are the precautions when taking bivalirudin (Angiomax)?

Consult your...

Read All Potential Precautions of Angiomax »

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/20/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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