Desirudin (Subcutaneous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2022.
Epidural or spinal hematomas, which may result in long-term or permanent paralysis, may occur in patients who are anticoagulated with selective thrombin inhibitors and are undergoing neuraxial anesthesia or spinal puncture. The risk of developing these hematomas is increased with the use of indwelling epidural catheters and concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis. Monitor patients frequently for neurological impairment and treat immediately if neurological compromise is noted. Consider risks and benefits before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Iprivask
Pharmacologic Class: Thrombin Inhibitor, Direct
Chemical Class: Hirudin Related
Uses for desirudin
Desirudin is used to prevent deep venous thrombosis, a condition in which harmful blood clots form in the blood vessels of the legs. These blood clots can travel to the lungs and can become lodged in the blood vessels of the lungs, causing a condition called pulmonary embolism. Desirudin is used for several days after hip replacement surgery, while you are unable to walk. It is during this time that blood clots are most likely to form.
Desirudin is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using desirudin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For desirudin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to desirudin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of desirudin in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of desirudin in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving desirudin.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking desirudin, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using desirudin with any of the..
