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lepirudin - injection, Refludan

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GENERIC NAME: LEPIRUDIN - INJECTION (leh-PEER-oo-din)

BRAND NAME(S): Refludan

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

USES: Lepirudin is a type of "blood thinner" used to prevent harmful blood clots. It is usually used in patients who have had a reaction to other "blood thinners" such as heparin (e.g., heparin-induced thrombocytopenia-HIT).Lepirudin works by blocking a certain natural substance (thrombin) that the body uses to form blood clots. Blood clots can stop blood flow to the heart, brain, and limbs, causing a heart attack, stroke, or gangrene.

HOW TO USE: Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you have questions about using this medication properly, consult your pharmacist.Shake the medication gently to mix. 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 a health care professional by injection into a vein. The first dose is injected over 15 to 20 seconds (bolus dose). Then treatment is continued by giving the drug more slowly (continuous infusion).The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS: 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: easy bleeding/bruising, dizziness/fainting, bleeding/bruising/swelling/oozing from injection site/wounds, 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.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.

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.