Desirudin Side Effects

For the Consumer

Applies to desirudin: subcutaneous powder for solution

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by desirudin. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking desirudin:

• Bleeding gums
• collection of blood under the skin
• coughing up blood
• deep, dark purple bruise
• difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• dizziness
• headache
• increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
• itching, pain, redness, or swelling
• nosebleeds
• paralysis
• prolonged bleeding from cuts
• red or black, tarry stools
• red or dark brown urine
• shortness of breath

• Changes in skin color, pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
• cough
• fast heartbeat
• hives
• pale skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• skin rash
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing with exertion
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• wheezing
• wound secretion

• Blood in the urine
• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fever
• severe or sudden headache
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden slurring of speech
• sweating
• tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over affected area
• trouble healing
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Minor Side Effects

Some of the side effects that can occur with desirudin may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

• Nausea
• vomiting

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to desirudin: subcutaneous powder for injection

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects including hemorrhage (30%) and hematomas are among the most serious and commonly reported side effects. In addition, anemia, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, decreased hemoglobin, and cerebrovascular disorder have been reported.^[Ref]

Other

Other reported side effects have included wound secretion, leg edema, fever, hematuria, dizziness, epistaxis, impaired healing, leg pain and hematemesis.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects including hypotension have been rarely reported.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects including nausea and vomiting have been reported rarely.^[Ref]

Local

Local side effects including injection site mass have been reported infrequently.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions including at least one case report of acute urticaria following desirudin administration have been reported.^[Ref]

Not all side effects for desirudin may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

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