Bivalirudin is administered in patients with unstable angina who are undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

 

What is Bivalirudin?

Bivalirudin is a thrombin inhibitor. It works by blocking the formation of blood clots.

 

How should Bivalirudin be taken?

Bivalirudin is administered intravenously via injection and typically in combination with other drugs.  

 

Side effects associated with Bivalirudin

Treatment with bivalirudin may reduce blood clotting ability.

 

Among the other possible side effects of bivalirudin include the following:

 

  • Anxiety
  • Pain in the back, stomach or pelvis
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Nervousness
  • Pain at the injection site
  • Insomnia
  • Stomach problems
  • Vomiting

 

It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:

 

  • Rash
  • Urticaria
  • Itch
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tightness or chest pain
  • Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
  • Confusion
  • Pain or tenderness in the calves
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Dizziness
  • Bruising or bleeding
  • Rapid, slow or irregular heartbeat
  • Fever
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Weakness in one side of body
  • Facial paralysis
  • Severe bleeding
  • Shortness of breath
  • Vision problems
  • Difficulty speaking

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Bivalirudin

Bivalirudin is contraindicated in case of ongoing severe bleeding.

Before starting treatment with bivalirudin, it is important to tell your doctor if:

 

  • You have any allergies to the active substance , its excipients, or to any other drugs or food and various substances
  • You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: anticoagulants, glycoprotein IIb / IIIa inhibitors, platelet inhibitors and thrombolytics
  • You are suffering (or have suffered) from thrombus formation or bleeding disorders
  • You are pregnant or breast-feeding

 

Treatment with bivalirudin can compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be exacerbated by alcohol and some drugs.