Pronunciation: le-PEER-u-din
Generic Name: Lepirudin
Brand Name: Refludan
Refludan is used for:
Thinning the blood and preventing blood clots in patients with low blood platelets caused by heparin. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Refludan is a thrombin inhibitor. It works by blocking the activity of thrombin, which helps to prevent the formation of blood clots.
Do NOT use Refludan if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Refludan or to hirudins
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Refludan:
Some medical conditions may interact with Refludan. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have bleeding problems, blood vessel problems, or have an increased risk of bleeding
- if you have recently had any kind of surgery, head injury, stroke, or organ biopsy
- if you have a heart infection (eg, bacterial endocarditis), severe uncontrolled high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, liver problems, or kidney problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Refludan. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), medicines that affect platelet function (eg, dipyridamole), or thrombolytics (eg, streptokinase) because the risk of bleeding problems may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Refludan may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Refludan:
Use Refludan as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Refludan is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Refludan at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
- If Refludan contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
- If you miss a dose of Refludan, contact your doctor immediately.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Refludan.
Important safety information:
- LAB TESTS, including blood pressure, blood clotting tests, and blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Refludan with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Use Refludan with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Refludan, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Refludan during pregnancy. It is unknown if Refludan is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using Refludan.
Possible side effects of Refludan:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Redness or discomfort at the injection site.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; dark urine; easy bruising or bleeding; fever; nausea or vomiting; one-sided weakness; slurred speech; vision problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Refludan side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Refludan:
Refludan is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Refludan at home, store Refludan as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Refludan out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Refludan, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Refludan is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Refludan. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Refludan resources
- Refludan Side Effects (in more detail)
- Refludan Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Refludan Drug Interactions
- Refludan Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Refludan - Add your own review/rating
- Refludan Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Refludan Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Refludan Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
- Refludan Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Lepirudin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Refludan with other medications
- Thrombocytopenia Drug Induced
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