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eptifibatide - injection, Integrilin

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GENERIC NAME: EPTIFIBATIDE - INJECTION (ep-tih-FIB-ah-tide)

BRAND NAME(S): Integrilin

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

USES: Eptifibatide is a type of "blood thinner" used to prevent blood clots that can cause a heart attack or other serious blood flow problems. It is used before certain procedures used to open up the blood vessels in the heart (e.g., balloon angioplasty, coronary stent placement, percutaneous coronary intervention-PCI, coronary artery bypass graft-CABG). It is also used with other medications (e.g., nitrates, beta blockers) to stop or prevent a heart attack in people with continuing chest pain when the above procedures cannot be done. It is usually used with heparin and aspirin.Eptifibatide works by preventing platelets in the blood from sticking to each other. When platelets stick to each other, they may form blood clots that may cause a heart attack or cause the opened blood vessel in the heart to close back up.

HOW TO USE: Follow all instructions for preparation and usage on the product package. If you have questions about using this medication properly, consult your pharmacist.Do not shake the medication. Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, usually over 1 to 2 minutes (bolus dose). It is then usually given slowly into a vein over many hours (by infusion), or as directed by your doctor. A second bolus dose may be given 10 minutes after the first dose.The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, response to treatment, and planned procedure.If you have certain heart procedures to open up the blood vessels in your heart (e.g., stent, PCI), you will need to lie very still after your procedure with your head up slightly. The tube for your procedure is usually placed near the groin. Keep the leg (or other limb nearest the tube) straight to prevent bleeding from the tube area. Pressure will be applied to the area (e.g., with a sandbag, special pressure dressing/device). You will not be allowed out of bed for several hours after the procedure.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness 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: fainting, 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 serious 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.

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