DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Drotrecogin Alfa

March 21, 2017

Drotrecogin Alfa Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

DROTRECOGIN ALFA (droe tre KOE gin AL fa) is used to treat life-threatening sepsis.

NOTE: Drotecogin alfa has been withdrawn from the market and is no longer available.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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 disorders

  • brain or spine surgery or injury

  • history of any bleeding event

  • low platelet count in the blood

  • liver disease

  • stroke

  • take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

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

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

  • cilostazol

  • clopidogrel

  • dipyridamole

  • medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin, heparin

  • pentoxifylline

  • ticlopidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

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

  • breathing problems

  • 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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert