Bivalirudin
The following information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as a medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Bivalirudin
(bye VAL i roo din)

U.S. Brand Names
Angiomax®

Canadian Brand Names
Angiomax®

Pharmacologic Category
Anticoagulant, Thrombin Inhibitor

Reasons not to take this medicine
• If you have an allergy to bivalirudin or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have bleeding problems.

What is this medicine used for?
• This medicine is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form.

How does it work?
• Bivalirudin changes the body's clotting system. It thins the blood to prevent clots from forming.

How is it best taken?
• This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Call healthcare provider for instructions.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
• Bleeding problems.

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Irritation where the shot is given.

What should I monitor?
• You will be monitored closely by healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Falls or accidents, especially if you hit your head. Talk with healthcare provider even if you feel fine.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Severe headache.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?
• This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2007-06-28 13:50:19.0

Modified: 2008-11-06 13:36:48.0

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