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Cangrelor Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 25, 2022.

For the Consumer

Applies to cangrelor: intravenous powder for solution

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, cangrelor may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cangrelor:

More common

Less common

  • Difficult or labored breathing
  • tightness in the chest

Rare

  • Cough
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • fast heartbeat
  • hives, itching, or rash
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • noisy breathing
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to cangrelor: intravenous powder for injection

General

The most common adverse reaction was bleeding.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Any Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Arteries (GUSTO) bleeding (15.5%), mild GUSTO bleeding (14.9%)

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Severe/life-threatening GUSTO bleeding, moderate GUSTO bleeding, any Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) bleeding, major TIMI bleeding, minor TIMI bleeding

Frequency not reported: Coronary artery dissection, coronary artery perforation[Ref]

Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Arteries (GUSTO) bleeding definitions:

-Severe/life-threatening GUSTO bleeding: Intracranial hemorrhage or bleeding resulting in substantial hemodynamic compromise requiring treatment.

-Moderate GUSTO bleeding: Bleeding requiring blood transfusion but not resulting in hemodynamic compromise.

-Mild GUSTO bleeding: All other bleeding not included in severe or moderate.

Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) bleeding definitions:

-Major TIMI bleeding: Any intracranial hemorrhage or any overt bleeding associated with a reduction in hemoglobin of at least 5 g/dL (if hemoglobin is not available, an absolute reduction in hematocrit of 15% or more).

-Minor TIMI bleeding: Any overt sign of bleeding (including observation by imaging techniques) associated with a reduction in hemoglobin of 3 to less than 5 g/dL (if hemoglobin is not available, an absolute reduction in hematocrit of 9% to less than 15%).[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea

Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm, stridor[Ref]

Renal

Common (1% to 10%): Worsening renal function in patients with CrCl less than 30 mL/min[Ref]

Immunologic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reactions, anaphylactic shock[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Angioedema[Ref]

References

1. "Product Information. Kengreal (cangrelor)." The Medicines Company (2015):

Further information

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

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer