Refludan (Lepirudin) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Refludan

Heart Attack »

Heart attack facts

A heart attack results when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle and heart muscle dies.
The blood clot that causes the heart attack usually forms at the site of rupture of an atherosclerotic, cholesterol plaque on the inner wall of a coronary artery.
The most common symptom of heart attack is chest pain.
The most common complications of a heart attack are heart failure and ventricular fibrillation.
The risk factors for atherosclerosis and heart attack include elevated cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, male gender, and a family history of heart attacks at an early age.
Heart attacks are diagnosed with electrocardiograms and measurement of cardiac enzymes in blood.
Early reopening of blocked coronary arteries reduces the amount of damage to the heart and im...

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Refludan Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking lepirudin (Refludan)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lepirudin, or to a similar medication called bivalirudin (Angiomax).

Before using lepirudin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
liver disease;
heart disease or infection;
untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (such as hemophilia);
any major bleeding from a surgery, injury, or other medical trauma;
a stomach ulcer or bleeding, intestinal bleeding;
a history of stroke; or
if you have recently had any type of biopsy.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use lepirudin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with lepirudin and aspirin.

It is not known whether lepirudin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take lepirudin (Refludan)?

Lepirudin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will most likely receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Lepirudin must be given slowly through an IV infusion. This medication is usually given continuously for 2 to 10 days, or longer if needed.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis while you are receiving lepirudin.

Because lepirudin 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.

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