What is argatroban?
Argatroban keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur while receiving heparin
Argatroban is used to treat or prevent blood clots in people who have thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets in the blood) caused by using heparin. Argatroban is sometimes used in people who are undergoing a procedure called angioplasty (to open blocked arteries).
Argatroban may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about argatroban?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to argatroban, or if you have any major bleeding from a surgery, injury, or other medical trauma.
Argatroban is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, aspirin is sometimes given with argatroban, and aspirin can cause bleeding when it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Aspirin can also cause side effects in a newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Before receiving argatroban, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a stomach ulcer or bleeding, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, if you have recently had a spinal tap or epidural anesthesia, or if you have recently had major surgery (especially on your eyes, brain, or spinal cord).
Tell your doctor if you are using or receiving blood thinners or any other medications used to treat or prevent blood clots.
Because argatroban keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving argatroban?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to argatroban, or if you have any major bleeding from a surgery, injury, or other medical trauma.
To make sure you can safely use argatroban, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
a stomach ulcer or bleeding;
liver disease;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (such as hemophilia);
untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);
if you have recently had a spinal tap or epidural anesthesia; or
if you have recently had major surgery (especially eye surgery, brain surgery, or spinal cord surgery).
Argatroban is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, aspirin is sometimes given with argatroban, and aspirin can cause bleeding when it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Aspirin can also cause side effects in a newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether argatroban passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.