Argatroban (By injection)
ar-GAT-roe-ban
Treats or prevents blood clots.
Drug classes
Anticoagulant (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Argatroban is used to decrease the clotting ability of the blood and to help prevent harmful clots from forming in the blood vessels. This medicine is used to treat or prevent blood clots in patients with bleeding problems caused by another medicine called heparin. It may also be used in patients who are having certain heart and blood vessel procedures, such as coronary angioplasty.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
This medicine is given in a hospital. A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how argatroban works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medicine that affects how your blood clots, especially the following:
A blood thinner, such as warfarin An NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib Thrombolytic medicine, such as streptokinaseWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to argatroban or if you have severe bleeding from any cause.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have hemophilia or any other bleeding problem, a stomach or intestinal ulcer, liver disease, high blood pressure, a history of stroke, or you had a recent surgery or procedure.
You may bleed and bruise more easily while you are using this medicine. Be extra careful to avoid being bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful with sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers. Do not pick your nose. If you need to blow your nose, blow it gently.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Black, tarry stools, or red or dark brown urine
Chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, fainting
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
Sudden or severe headache, or problems with vision, speech, or walking
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild bleeding, itching, or rash where the needle is placed
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Novaplus Argatroban, PremierPro RX Argatroban
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
