SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headache, or minor bleeding/irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Serious bleeding is the most common serious side effect. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these signs of serious bleeding occur: bleeding/bruising/swelling/oozing around the area where the procedure tube was placed, uncontrolled nosebleed, fast/irregular heartbeat, pale/gray/bluish skin, pink/red urine, bloody/black/tarry stool, coughing up blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs of very serious bleeding occur: chest pain, vision problems, confusion, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body.This medication may cause a decrease in blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop easy bleeding/bruising.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using bivalirudin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other hirudins (e.g., lepirudin); or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: current bleeding.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent major surgery/injury/other bleeding, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease), bleeding problems (e.g., anemia, coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia), kidney disease, liver disease, stroke, very high uncontrolled blood pressure, tumor/blood vessel problem in the brain (e.g., aneurysm, AV malformation).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.