What is Angiomax (Bivalirudin)?

Bivalirudin keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions.

Bivalirudin is used to prevent blood clots in people with severe chest pain or other conditions who are undergoing a procedure called angioplasty (to open blocked arteries).

Bivalirudin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Angiomax (Bivalirudin)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to bivalirudin, or if you have any major bleeding from a surgery, injury, or other medical trauma.

Before using bivalirudin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease
• kidney disease; or
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (such as hemophilia)

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use bivalirudin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, aspirin is usually given with bivalirudin, and aspirin can cause bleeding when it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Aspirin can also cause side effects in a newborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with bivalirudin and aspirin.

It is not known whether bivalirudin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Angiomax Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Angiomax (Bivalirudin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• 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
• any bleeding that will not stop
• black, bloody, or tarry stools
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• slow heart rate
• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure)
• decreased blood pressure (feeling light-headed or fainting); or
• urinating less than usual or not at all

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

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

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Angiomax Interactions

What other drugs affect Angiomax (Bivalirudin)?

Before receiving bivalirudin, tell your doctor if you are using or receiving any of the following drugs:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, ardeparin (Normiflo), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep); or
• any other medications used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase (Activase), anistreplase (Eminase), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine), streptokinase (Kabikinase, Streptase), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or urokinase (Abbokinase)

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use bivalirudin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect bivalirudin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Angiomax (Bivalirudin)?

Bivalirudin lowers blood cells that help your blood clot. This can make it easier for you to bruise or bleed from an injury or minor cut. Avoid activities that increase your risk of a bruising or bleeding injury. Use extra caution to avoid cuts when brushing your teeth or shaving.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking bivaluridin. Alcohol may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

Angiomax Dosage

How should I take Angiomax (Bivalirudin)?

Bivalirudin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection during your angioplasty procedure in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given throughout the entire procedure.

Bivalirudin is usually given together with aspirin.

Because bivalirudin keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

What happens if I overdose on Angiomax (Bivalirudin)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a bivalirudin overdose are not known.

What happens if I miss a dose of Angiomax (Bivalirudin)?

Since bivalirudin is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting as needed, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com