Eptifibatide (Injection)

Introduction

Eptifibatide (ep-ti-FIB-a-tide)

Used during a heart attack or angioplasty to keep blood clots from forming.

Brand Name(s)

Integrilin

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to eptifibatide, or if you have active bleeding or severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure. You should not receive this medicine if you have had a history of bleeding diathesis (excessive bleeding problem), hemorrhagic stroke, a stroke or abnormal bleeding in the past 30 days, major surgery or trauma in the past 6 weeks, or if you are on dialysis.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed into one of your veins.
• You may also receive other medicines to help prevent harmful blood clots from forming, such as aspirin or heparin.
• You will receive a continuous infusion of this medicine over a period of up to 4 days. During this time, you will be watched closely to make sure the medicine is working and is not causing unwanted side effects.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or any bleeding problems.
• You may bleed and bruise more easily while you are using this medicine. Be extra careful to avoid injuries until the effects of the medicine have worn off. For some patients, this may take about 2 or 3 days. For other patients, it may take longer. Talk with your doctor about this.
• Check with your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; blood in the urine or stools; or pinpoint red spots on your skin. Avoid picking your nose. If you need to blow your nose, blow it gently.
• You may be told to use a soft toothbrush or to shave with an electric razor (not a razor blade) for a few days after you have been given this medicine. This helps reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Watch for any bleeding from open areas such as sites of needle punctures for drawing blood, giving shots, or putting in a catheter for a heart catheterization or angioplasty. Also check for blood in your urine or bowel movements. If you have any bleeding or injuries, tell your doctor right away.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bleeding gums.
• Bloody or black, tarry stools.
• Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Pinpoint red spots on your skin.
• Red or dark brown urine.
• Severe stomach pain or swelling.
• Sudden and severe headache.
• Unexplained nosebleeds.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using clopidogrel (Plavix®), dipyridamole (Persantine®), ticlopidine (Ticlid®), a blood thinner (such as heparin, warfarin, or Coumadin®), medicine to dissolve blood clots (such as alteplase, streptokinase, urokinase, Activase®, or Retavase®), or pain or arthritis medicines called NSAIDs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, or Motrin®).

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088