Lepirudin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What medicine is Lepirudin?

What is lepirudin for?

Lepirudin keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting). Lepirudin is used to treat or prevent blood clots from occurring after using heparin, or with certain blood vessel conditions. Lepirudin can also be used for purposes not attached to this medication guide.

How to use lepirudin?

Lepirudin is injected into a vein through an IV. Your healthcare provider will give you this injection. You will have frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine how long your treatment with lepirudin will last. Because lepirudin keeps your blood from clotting, preventing unwanted clotting, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even if only from a small cut. Call your doctor or seek immediate medical attention if you experience bleeding that doesn't stop.

How to store lepirudin?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Lepirudin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of lepirudin for adults?

Dosage for Thrombocytopenia due to drugs in adults

Thrombocytopenia caused by heparin:
Initial dose: 0.4 mg / kg IV (maximum 44 mg) slowly (after 15 to 20 seconds) followed by 0.15 mg / kg / day IV (maximum 16.5 mg / hour). Infusion continues for 2 to 10 days or longer if needed.

What is the dose of lepirudin for children?

The dosage for children has not been determined. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosage is lepirudin available?

Powder for injection: 50 mg.

Lepirudin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to lepirudin?

Seek emergency help immediately if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: rash; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects such as:

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance
• pain or swelling in one or both legs
• bleeding that doesn't stop
• black, bloody stools
• coughing up blood or vomiting with vomit that looks like a coffee collision
• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizures)
• drop in blood pressure (feeling lightheaded or faint)
• urinating less than usual or not at all

Less serious side effects include:

• pain in the back or pelvis
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• feeling jittery or nervous
• headache
• fever
• sleep disturbance (insomnia), or
• pain, bleeding, or irritation where the injection was given

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have worries

Warnings and Cautions for Lepirudin Drugs

What should be known before using lepirudin?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to lepirudin or a similar drug called bivalirudin (angiomax).

Is lepirudin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

It is not yet known whether lepirudin can pass through breast milk or whether it is harmful to a nursing infant. Do not use this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions of Lepirudin

What drugs may interact with lepirudin?

Drug interactions can change how the drugs work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not include all drug interactions that can occur. Keep a list of the products you use (including prescription / nonprescription medicines and herbal products) and tell your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's knowledge.

• Bivalirudin, dabigatran, desirudin
• Fondaparinux, rivaroxaban, or
• Heparin, dalteparin, enoxaparin, tinzaparin

Can food or alcohol interact with lepirudin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with lepirudin?

The presence of other health problems can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, specifically:

• kidney disease (or if you are having dialysis)
• liver disease (especially cirrhosis)
• heavy bleeding from surgery, injury, or other medical trauma
• bleeding or blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia
• infection of the lining of the heart (also called bacterial endocarditis)
• untreated and controlled high blood pressure
• stomach ulcers, or bleeding, bleeding intestines
• recent history of stroke, heart attack, brain surgery, spinal surgery, spinal tap, or epidural anesthesia
• if you have recently inserted an intravenous catheter or
• if new to any organ biopsy

Lepirudin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

An overdose can cause heavy bleeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.