Bivalirudin: View Uses, Side Effects and Medicines

Bivalirudin

INFORMATION ABOUT BIVALIRUDIN

Bivalirudin Uses

Bivalirudin is used to prevent heart attack and unstable angina. It is also used in patients undergoing surgery to treat blockages in their blood vessels (angioplasty).

How Bivalirudin works

Bivalirudin is an anticoagulant that prevents the formation of harmful blood clots.

Common side effects of Bivalirudin

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common

Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Bleeding, Bruise

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Balshine Singh Kanwar

MD, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

16 Mar 2020 | 06:58 AM (UTC)

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Medicine brands for Bivalirudin

Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Samarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd

1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Bivalirudin

It is a hospital only medicine. It is given by your nurse or doctor as an infusion (drip) into a vein.
It increases your risk of bleeding. Be careful while shaving, cutting fingernails or toenails or using sharp objects.
Notify your doctor if you see blood in your vomit, urine or stool (black, tarry stools or bright red blood).
Inform your doctor if you are taking other blood thinners or medicines to prevent blood clots.

Frequently asked questions for Bivalirudin

Q. Can I drink alcohol with Bivalirudin?

Taking alcohol while taking Bivalirudin can increase the blood-thinning effect of this medicine, thereby increasing the chance of bleeding. Regular intake of alcohol can lead to a gastric ulcer which might again cause bleeding. So, it is better to avoid alcohol while you are taking this medicine. Do consult your doctor if any such episode of bleeding occurs.

Q. When will I feel better after taking Bivalirudin?

Bivalirudin reduces your risk of developing blood clots in the blood vessels of your leg, lungs, heart and brain. You may not feel any difference after taking Bivalirudin. However, keep taking this medicine as prescribed by your doctor because you will still be getting its full benefits.

Q. Who should not take Bivalirudin?

People experiencing any unusual bleeding or people allergic to Bivalirudin should not take it. Bivalirudin should also be avoided by people with artificial (prosthetic) heart valves. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have ever had or plan to have a valve in your heart replaced. Also, the use of this medicine is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.

Q. Can the use of Bivalirudin increase the risk of bleeding?

Yes, Bivalirudin may increase the risk of bleeding. Always be careful while doing activities that may cause an injury or bleeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormal bruising or bleeding.

Q. Can Bivalirudin cause hair loss?

No, Bivalirudin does not usually cause hair loss. However, there do exist some rare reports of hair loss associated with Bivalirudin. Consult your doctor if you face hair loss while taking Bivalirudin to rule out any other causes of hair loss.

Q. Does Bivalirudin affect the liver?

Unlike other anticoagulants, Bivalirudin usually does not affect the functioning of the liver. But long-term use of Bivalirudin may increase the chances of mild liver injury in patients with elevated liver enzymes. However, the overall chances of developing any such problem are lower than other anticoagulants. It is advised that you inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease before starting this medicine.

Q. How should I store Bivalirudin?

Bivalirudin should be stored at room temperature between 20º-25º C (68º-77°F) in the original carton it came in. Do not freeze. Store the medicine at a dry place and protect the medicine from moisture and light.