Brand Name: Argatroban
Active Ingredient: Argatroban
Strength(s): 100mg/ml
Dosage Form(s): Intravenous Injection
Company Name: Encysive Pharmaceuticals
Availability: Prescription only
Date Approved by FDA: June 30, 2000

What is Argatroban used for?

• Argatroban is used to treat and reduce the risk of blood clots in patients who have had a reaction to heparin that resulted in reduced platelets and associated blood clots.

• Argatroban is also used in patients undergoing certain heart procedures such as percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) who are at risk or have had a reaction to heparin that resulted in reduced platelets and associated blood clots.

 Who should not be treated with Argatroban?

 Argatroban should not be given to individuals who have major bleeding.

 Special Warnings Concerning Argatroban:

Increased risk of bleeding is the most common complication of Argatroban.  If you have the following conditions, your risk of bleeding may be increased:

• severe high blood pressure

• recent lumbar puncture, or spinal anesthesia

• recent major surgery (especially involving the brain, spinal cord, or eye)

• medical conditions that increase the tendency to bleed

• stomach ulcers

 What should I tell my doctor or healthcare provider?

• Because certain other medications can interact with Argatroban, and may increase the risk of bleeding, review all medications that you are taking with your healthcare provider, including those that you take without a proscription.

• Tell your doctor if you are taking blood thinners.

What are some possible side effects of Argatroban? (This is not a complete list of side effects reported with Argatroban.  Your healthcare provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)

Bleeding is the most common side effect.

Other side effects may include:

• shortness of breath

• low blood pressure

• fever

• diarrhea

Date created: 5/2001, updated: 4/4/2006