Desirudin Side Effects

Some side effects of desirudin may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to desirudin: subcutaneous powder for injection

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using desirudin, and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• any prolonged or unexplained bleeding;

• pain, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg, or difficulty breathing, which could indicate a blood clot; or

• ulceration at the injection site.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use desirudin and notify your doctor if you experience

• mild pain, redness, or warmth at the injection site;

• anemia (low level of red blood cells detected by blood tests); or

• nausea.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to desirudin: subcutaneous powder for injection

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects including hemorrhage (30%) and hematomas are among the most serious and commonly reported side effects. In addition, anemia, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, decreased hemoglobin, and cerebrovascular disorder have been reported.

Other

Other reported side effects have included wound secretion, leg edema, fever, hematuria, dizziness, epistaxis, impaired healing, leg pain and hematemesis.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects including hypotension have been rarely reported.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects including nausea and vomiting have been reported rarely.

Local

Local side effects including injection site mass have been reported infrequently.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions including at least one case report of acute urticaria following desirudin administration have been reported.

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