Desirudin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2025.

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.

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to desirudin: subcutaneous powder for injection.

General adverse events

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

Desirudin 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer