eptifibatide - injection, Integrilin

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.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using eptifibatide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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, bleeding from the gut or bladder in the last 30 days (e.g., bleeding peptic ulcer), any stroke in the last 30 days, history of hemorrhagic stroke, major surgery/injury in the last 6 weeks, severe bleeding in the last 30 days, brain tumor, kidney dialysis, blood vessel problem in the brain (e.g., aneurysm, AV malformation), very high uncontrolled blood pressure.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease), low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia), liver disease.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.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin) used in the last 7 days, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), anti-platelet drugs (e.g., dipyridamole, ticlopidine), tipranavir.Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) that are similar to this drug.Eptifibatide is often used with other "blood thinners" such as aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist regarding which medicines you need to take after leaving the hospital. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., bleeding times, platelet count) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

SLIDESHOW

Heart Disease: Causes of a Heart Attack See Slideshow

MISSED DOSE: If your dose is stopped or interrupted, contact the doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule/rate.

STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. This medication may be stored for up to 2 months at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. If the medication is stored at room temperature, cross out the manufacturer's expiration date if it is longer than 2 months away, then write in a new discard date 2 months from the present date. Discard any unused liquid. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.