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drotrecogin alfa-injectable, Xigris

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GENERIC NAME: DROTRECOGIN ALFA - INJECTABLE (droh-treh-KOH-gin)

BRAND NAME(S): Xigris

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Drotrecogin alfa is a man-made (recombinant) form of a natural enzyme called Activated Protein C. It is used to treat severe/life-threatening infections in the blood (severe sepsis associated with acute organ failure).

HOW TO USE: Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you have any questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. When mixing this drug, do not shake the vial(s). Gently swirl the mixture until all the powder has dissolved. Shaking this drug may cause it to become ineffective. Because of stability issues with this drug, each dose must be made immediately before it is given. Give this medication by vein (IV) continuously for 4 days (96 hours) mixed in a saline solution (NS). Each IV bag/bottle is given over 12 hours for a total of 8 bags/bottles; or give as directed by the doctor. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: No minor side effects are expected to occur. If any minor non-bleeding side effects occur, notify the doctor. Tell the doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, bloody diarrhea, black stool, coffee-ground vomit, pink-colored/red urine, stomach/abdominal pain, one-sided weakness, vision problems, slurred speech, confusion. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: severe bleeding problems (e.g., internal bleeding, severe injury), conditions at risk for severe bleeding (e.g., recent stroke, recent head or spine surgery), brain disorders (e.g., aneurysm, tumors), currently have an epidural catheter. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, HIV, organ transplants (especially of the bone marrow, lung, liver, pancreas, or small bowel), ulcers, low platelet counts, any allergies. This medication should be stopped 2 hours before having a surgical procedure and, if required, not restarted until 12 hours after the procedure. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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