Desirudin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 5, 2023.

Applies to desirudin: subcutaneous powder for injection.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Also seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of a spinal blood clot: back pain, numbness or muscle weakness in your lower body, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual bleeding);

• pain, swelling, or drainage from a wound or where a needle was injected in your skin;

• bleeding from wounds or needle injections, any bleeding that will not stop;

• headache, dizziness, weakness, feeling like you might pass out;

• urine that looks red, pink, or brown; or

• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Serious side effects may be more likely in adults who are 75 years or older.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea;

• vomiting; or

• fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to desirudin: subcutaneous powder for injection.

General

The most common adverse reaction was hemorrhage.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Any hemorrhage (30%)

Common (1% to 10%): Serious hemorrhage, deep vein thrombosis

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Major hemorrhage

Frequency not reported: Thrombosis, hypotension

Postmarketing reports: Fatal hemorrhage^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Wound secretion

Frequency not reported: Leg edema, fever, healing impaired^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea

Frequency not reported: Vomiting, hematemesis^[Ref]

Hematologic

Common (1% to 10%): Anemia

Frequency not reported: Hemoglobin decreased^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Irritative skin reactions^[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Injection site mass^[Ref]

Immunologic

Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction, anti-hirudin antibodies

Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction^[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Dizziness, cerebrovascular disorder^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Hematuria^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Leg pain^[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Epistaxis^[Ref]

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