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Aprotinin

Generic name: Aprotinin [ a-proe-TYE-nin ]
Drug class: Miscellaneous uncategorized agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 19, 2023.

Warning

  • Some studies have shown a higher risk of death with aprotinin. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using aprotinin.
  • This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take aprotinin.
  • This medicine raises the risk for kidney problems and there may be a need for dialysis after surgery. This risk may be higher in people who already have kidney problems or in people using drugs that may harm the kidneys like gentamicin. Talk with your doctor.
  • Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have happened. The risk is higher if you have used aprotinin in the past 12 months. You will be closely watched by your doctor.

Uses of Aprotinin:

  • It is used to lower bleeding during heart surgery.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Aprotinin?

  • If you have an allergy to aprotinin or any other part of aprotinin.
  • If you are allergic to aprotinin; any part of aprotinin; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  • If you have been given a drug that has aprotinin in it in the past 12 months.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with aprotinin.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take aprotinin with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Aprotinin?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take aprotinin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using aprotinin while you are pregnant.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Aprotinin) best taken?

Use aprotinin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
  • You will be given a test dose before your first dose.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Call your doctor to find out what to do.
Detailed Aprotinin dosage information

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
  • Very bad dizziness or passing out.
  • A fast heartbeat.
  • Upset stomach.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Pain and irritation where aprotinin goes into the body.
Aprotinin side effects (more detail)

What are some other side effects of Aprotinin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Aprotinin?

  • If you need to store aprotinin at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about aprotinin, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer