Desirudin
Generic name: desirudin [ DES-i-ROO-din ]
Brand name: Iprivask
Dosage form: subcutaneous powder for injection (15 mg)
Drug class:Thrombin inhibitors
What is desirudin?
Desirudin is an anticoagulant (thrombin inhibitor) that helps prevent the formation of blood clots.
Desirudin is used to prevent a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). A DVT can occur after certain types of surgery. Desirudin is for use after hip replacement surgery.
Desirudin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use desirudin if you have active or uncontrolled bleeding, or an irreversible blood clotting disorder.
Desirudin can cause a very serious blood clot around your spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural), especially if you are also using other drugs that can affect blood clotting, including blood thinners or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, and others). This type of blood clot can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis.
Get emergency medical help if you have symptoms of a spinal cord blood clot such as back pain, numbness or muscle weakness in your lower body, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to desirudin, bivalirudin, or lepirudin, or if you have:
active or uncontrolled bleeding; or
an irreversible blood clotting disorder.
Desirudin can cause a very serious blood clot around your spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural). This type of blood clot could cause long-term or permanent paralysis, and may be more likely to occur if:
you have a spinal cord injury;
you have a spinal catheter in place;
you have a history of spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps;
you are taking an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac, indomethacin, me...
