Used during a heart attack or angioplasty to keep blood clots from forming
Brand Names:
Integrilin
Contraindications:
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to eptifibatide, or if you have a bleeding disorder, or severe uncontrolled high blood pressure. You should not use eptifibatide if you have had a stroke or abnormal bleeding in the past 30 days, major surgery or trauma in the past 6 weeks, or if you are on kidney dialysis
Uses:
Injectable
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or chemotherapy treatment center.
Your medicine will be given directly into a vein, usually in your arm or chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-ous), or IV infusion.
You may also receive other medicines to help prevent harmful blood clots from forming.
You will receive a continuous infusion of this medicine over a period of 1 to 4 days.
During this time, you will be watched closely to make sure the medicine is working and is not causing unwanted side effects.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Before receiving this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are using ticlopidine (Ticlid®), dipyridamole (Persantine®), clopidogrel (Plavix®), warfarin (Coumadin®), heparin, or pain or arthritis medicines (such as aspirin, Motrin®, Advil®, or Aleve®).
Warnings:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding talk to your doctor before you receive this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have had stomach problems such as ulcers or colitis.
Because of the way this medicine works, it may cause bleeding problems. Be extra careful to avoid injuries until the effects of the medicine have worn off. For some patients, this may take about 2 or 3 days. For other patients, it may take longer. Talk with your doctor about this.
You may be told to use a soft toothbrush or to shave with an electric razor (not a razor blade) for a few days after you have been given this medicine. This helps reduce the risk of bleeding.
Watch for any bleeding from open areas such as sites of needle punctures for drawing blood, giving shots, or putting in a catheter for a heart catheterization or angioplasty. Also check for blood in your urine or bowel movements. If you have any bleeding or injuries, tell your doctor right away.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Bloody or black tarry bowel movements
Bloody urine
Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
