Desirudin Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

DESIRUDIN is an anticoagulant. It is used to help prevent blood clots in patients having hip replacement surgery.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders or hemophilia

• high blood pressure

• kidney or liver disease

• lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia

• recent surgery or trauma

• stomach or intestinal ulcers

• weak or unstable blood vessels

• an unusual or allergic reaction to desirudin, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• agents that dissolve blood clots, like heparin

• blood thinners such as warfarin

• mifepristone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• abciximab

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cilostazol

• clopidogrel

• dipyridamole

• eptifibatide

• lamifiban

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• sulfinpyrazone

• ticlopidine

• tirofiban

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Monitor your skin closely for easy bruising or red spots. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding.

Be careful to avoid injury while you are receiving this medicine. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries to your doctor or health care professional.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have received this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• back or stomach pain

• black, tarry stools

• blood in urine

• coughing up blood

• difficulty breathing

• dizziness or fainting spells

• heavy menstrual bleeding

• nosebleeds

• unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• irritation at the injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.