Skip to main content

Drug Interactions between heparin and lepirudin

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

Edit list (add/remove drugs)

Interactions between your drugs

Major

heparin lepirudin

Applies to: heparin and lepirudin

CONTRAINDICATED: The concomitant use of heparin and direct thrombin inhibitors may increase the risk of bleeding complications due to additive or synergistic effects on the clotting cascade. Moreover, since direct thrombin inhibitors are used for the treatment of thrombosis in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and for anticoagulation in patients with or at risk for HIT, heparin would not be indicated in these patients.

MANAGEMENT: Patients with known HIT should not receive any heparin. All formulations of heparin, including heparin lock flush, should be withdrawn prior to and during the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Clinicians should allow sufficient time for heparin's effect on the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to decrease prior to initiation of the thrombin inhibitor. Close clinical and laboratory observation for bleeding complications is recommended.

References (2)
  1. (2001) "Product Information. Refludan (lepirudin)." Hoechst Marion Roussel
  2. (2001) "Product Information. Acova (argatroban)." SmithKline Beecham

Drug and food interactions

No alcohol/food interactions were found. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Anticoagulants

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'anticoagulants' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'anticoagulants' category:

  • heparin
  • lepirudin

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

Report options

Loading...
QR code containing a link to this page

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer