Desirudin Side Effects

For the Consumer

Applies to desirudin: subcutaneous powder for solution

Along with its needed effects, desirudin 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking desirudin:

More common

• 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

Less common

• 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

Less common or rare

• 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

Some side effects of desirudin 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:

Less common

• Nausea
• vomiting

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