Eptifibatide (Injection)

Eptifibatide (ep-ti-FIB-a-tide)

Used during a heart attack or angioplasty to keep blood clots from forming.

Brand Name(s):

Integrilin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to eptifibatide, or if you have a bleeding disorder, or severe uncontrolled high blood pressure. You should not use eptifibatide if you have had a stroke or abnormal bleeding in the past 30 days, major surgery or trauma in the past 6 weeks, or if you are on kidney dialysis.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or chemotherapy treatment center.
• Your medicine will be given directly into a vein, usually in your arm or chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-ous), or IV infusion.
• You may also receive other medicines to help prevent harmful blood clots from forming.
• You will receive a continuous infusion of this medicine over a period of 1 to 4 days.
• During this time, you will be watched closely to make sure the medicine is working and is not causing unwanted side effects.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Before receiving this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are using ticlopidine (Ticlid®), dipyridamole (Persantine®), clopidogrel (Plavix®), warfarin (Coumadin®), heparin, or pain or arthritis medicines (such as aspirin, Motrin®, Advil®, or Aleve®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding talk to your doctor before you receive this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have had stomach problems such as ulcers or colitis.
• Because of the way this medicine works, it may cause bleeding problems. Be extra careful to avoid injuries until the effects of the medicine have worn off. For some patients, this may take about 2 or 3 days. For other patients, it may take longer. Talk with your doctor about this.
• You may be told to use a soft toothbrush or to shave with an electric razor (not a razor blade) for a few days after you have been given this medicine. This helps reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Watch for any bleeding from open areas such as sites of needle punctures for drawing blood, giving shots, or putting in a catheter for a heart catheterization or angioplasty. Also check for blood in your urine or bowel movements. If you have any bleeding or injuries, tell your doctor right away.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Bloody or black tarry bowel movements
• Bloody urine
• Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Nosebleeds, unexplained bruising or bleeding

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.