Argatroban injection

What is this medicine?

ARGATROBAN (ar GA troh ban) is an anticoagulant. It is used in a hospital setting to help treat and prevent blood clots.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in the hospital setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• irritation at the injection site

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• mifepristone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• abciximab

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cilostazol

• clopidogrel

• dipyridamole

• heparin

• eptifibatide

• lamifiban

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• ticlopidine

• tirofiban

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorder or hemophilia

• high blood pressure

• liver disease

• recent lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia

• recent surgery or trauma

• stomach or intestinal ulcers

• weak or unstable blood vessels

• an unusual or allergic reaction to argatroban, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Notify your doctor or health care professional and seek emergency treatment if you develop breathing problems; changes in vision; chest pain; severe, sudden headache; pain, swelling, warmth in the leg; trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg. These can be signs that your condition has gotten worse.

Avoid sports and activities that might cause injury while you are using this medicine. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your doctor or health care professional.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have received this medicine.