Defitelio Side Effects

Generic name: defibrotide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 6, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Defitelio Side Effects associated with defibrotide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Defitelio.

Applies to defibrotide: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects of Defitelio

Along with its needed effects, defibrotide (the active ingredient contained in Defitelio) 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 defibrotide:

More common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bloody nose
• bloody stools
• blurred vision
• chills
• confusion
• dizziness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• lightheadedness
• rapid, shallow breathing
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Less common side effects

• chest pain
• cough or hoarseness
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• sneezing
• sore throat
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing

Less common or rare side effects

• difficulty with swallowing
• hives, itching, or skin rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

Incidence not known

• bleeding gums
• coughing up blood
• headache
• increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
• nosebleeds
• paralysis
• prolonged bleeding from cuts
• red or black, tarry stools
• red or dark brown urine

Other side effects of Defitelio

Some side effects of defibrotide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to defibrotide: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions were hypotension, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and epistaxis. The most common adverse reactions considered to be life-threatening or fatal were hypotension (7%) and pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage (7%). Hemorrhage events of any type and any grade were reported for 104 (59%) of the patients, and the events were considered life-threatening or fatal in 35 (20%).^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypotension (37%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (24%), vomiting (18%), nausea (16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hematemesis, melena, mouth hemorrhage^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Epistaxis (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage, lung infiltration, pneumonia, pulmonary hemorrhage
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hemothorax^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Sepsis, graft versus host disease, infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity, anaphylactic reaction^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Hemorrhage intracranial, cerebral hemorrhage
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cerebral hematoma^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Coagulopathy, hemorrhage^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Catheter site hemorrhage
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site hemorrhage^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperuricemia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Hematuria^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ecchymosis, petechiae, rash, pruritus^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Conjunctival hemorrhage^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pyrexia^[Ref]

Further information

Defitelio side effects can vary depending on the individual. 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