Argatroban Injection

What is this medication?

ARGATROBAN (ar GA troh ban) prevents and treats blood clots. It belongs to a group of medications called blood thinners.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Argatroban

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding disorder or hemophilia
• High blood pressure
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Liver disease
• Recent lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia
• Recent surgery
• Stomach bleeding
• Stomach ulcers
• An unusual or allergic reaction to argatroban, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Mifepristone

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Abciximab
• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Cilostazol
• Clopidogrel
• Dipyridamole
• Heparin
• Eptifibatide
• Lamifiban
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Ticlopidine
• Tirofiban
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. It is important not to miss any appointments.

Avoid sports and activities that might cause injury while you are using this medication. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your care team.

If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Bleeding in the brain—severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, dizziness, change in vision, numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, trouble walking, vomiting
• Heavy periods

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.