Bivalirudin (By injection)

bye-VAL-i-roo-din

Prevents blood clots during angioplasty.

Drug classes

Anticoagulant (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Bivalirudin is used together with aspirin to decrease the clotting ability of the blood and to help prevent harmful clots from forming in the blood vessels. It is 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.

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 bivalirudin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

A blood thinner, such as heparin or warfarin Medicine to dissolve blood clots, such as streptokinase, urokinase, alteplase, or reteplase

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to bivalirudin, or if you have any active bleeding.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you have a kidney problem, a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, or you bruise easily. Tell your doctor if you are receiving brachytherapy.

This medicine may make you bleed and bruise more easily. Be extra careful to prevent injuries, bruises, and cuts until the effects of the medicine have worn off.

Check for any bleeding from open areas, such as around the injection site. Also check for blood in your urine or stool. Tell your doctor right away if you have any bleeding or injuries.

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

Bloody or black, tarry stools

Chest pain

Decrease in how much or how often you urinate

Lightheadedness or fainting

Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body

Pain, itching, burning, swelling, bleeding, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

Red or dark brown urine

Slow heartbeat

Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Back or hip pain

Fever

Mild headache

Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or upset stomach

Trouble sleeping, anxiety, or nervousness

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

Angiomax, Novaplus Bivalirudin

There may be other brand names for this medicine.