• People who have had recent spinal anesthesia, epidurals, or spinal taps are more likely to have bleeding problems when started on this medicine. This bleeding rarely happens, but can be severe. Tell healthcare provider if you have had any spinal procedures. Do not take any other blood-thinner medicines including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
• Tell healthcare provider you use this medicine before you receive spinal anesthesia or a spinal procedure.
• If you have an allergy to desirudin or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you have bleeding problems.
• Desirudin changes the body's clotting system. It thins the blood to prevent clots from forming.
• This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the right or left side of the stomach or thigh.
• Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
• Wash hands before and after use.
• Move site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
• Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not use a double dose or extra doses.
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Signs or symptoms of bleeding.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.
Created: 2009-11-06 10:11:46.0
Modified: 2010-03-24 12:43:47.0
Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Talk with healthcare provider before using other: aspirin, aspirin-containing products, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, ibuprofen or like products, pain medicines, or vitamin E.
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.
• Use caution to prevent injury and avoid falls or accidents.
• Bleeding problems.
• Irritation where the shot is given.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• Falls or accidents, especially if you hit your head. Talk with healthcare provider even if you feel fine.
• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
• Severe headache.
• Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
