Iprivask SubQ

This medication is used to prevent serious blood clots in the legs and/or lungs after certain types of surgery (such as hip replacement).
Desirudin is known as a \"blood thinner\" (anticoagulant). It works by blocking certain natural substances in the blood that cause clotting.

How to use Iprivask SubQ
Follow all directions for proper mixing. Do not mix with other medications. Consult your pharmacist for more details.
Gently swirl the medication to mix. Do not shake. Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
If you are giving the shots yourself, you will be trained by a health care professional on how to properly prepare, inject, and use this product. Sit or lie down when injecting this medication. Inject desirudin under the skin of the thigh or abdomen as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. Do not inject into a muscle or a vein. To lessen irritation, change the injection site with each shot. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition (such as kidney disease) and response to therapy. Do not use more than the recommended dose since this would increase your chance of bleeding.

See also Warning section.
Nausea or injection site reactions including mild irritation, pain, bruising, redness, a bump or swelling may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may rarely cause serious bleeding. Tell your doctor immediately if any signs of serious bleeding occur, including: unusual bruising, severe stomach/abdominal pain, red/pinkish urine, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe headache, confusion, vision changes, unusual dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

See also Warning section.
Before using desirudin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, recent major surgery, serious bleeding (such as bleeding ulcer), liver disease.
Limit alcohol while using this drug because it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

See also Warning section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include excessive bleeding and bruising.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts, bleeding times) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
Try not to miss any doses. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store unmixed vials at room temperature away from light and moisture. Once mixed, the product should be used within 24 hours. Discard any unused mixed medication after 24 hours. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your medication.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised August 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.