Eptifibatide (patient information)

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

What is eptifibatide?

Eptifibatide keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions.

Eptifibatide is used to prevent blood clots or heart attack in people with severe chest pain or other conditions, and in those who are undergoing a procedure called angioplasty (to open blocked arteries).

Eptifibatide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about eptifibatide?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to eptifibatide, or to similar drugs such as abciximab (ReoPro) or eptifibatide (Integrilin)

Do not receive this medication if you have a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis, severe liver disease, severe high blood pressure, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, a history of head injury, brain tumor, or blood clot in the brain (aneurysm), a stroke or any type of bleeding within the past 30 days, or any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 6 weeks. Eptifibatide is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, aspirin is sometimes given with eptifibatide, 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 with eptifibatide and aspirin.

Because eptifibatide 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 eptifibatide?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to eptifibatide, if you have or will soon receive treatment with similar medications such as abciximab (ReoPro) or tirofiban (Aggrastat), or if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• a severe form of hypertension (high blood pressure);
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia;
• a history of blood clot in the brain (aneurysm);
• if you have had a stroke or any type of bleeding within the past 30 days; or
• if you have had any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 6 weeks.

Before using eptifibatide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs

FDA Pregnancy Category B. Eptifibatide is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether eptifibatide 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.

How is eptifibatide given?

Eptifibatide is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

If you are receiving this injection during an angioplasty procedure, the medicine will be given throughout the entire procedure and for up to 24 hours after the procedure.

Eptifibatide is usually given continuously for up to 4 days.

Eptifibatide is sometimes given together with aspirin.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Because eptifibatide 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 happens if I miss a dose?

Since eptifibatide is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting as needed, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of an eptifibatide overdose may include severe bleeding.

What should I avoid while receiving eptifibatide?

Eptifibatide lowers blood cells that help your blood clot. This can make it easier for you to bruise or bleed from an injury or minor cut. Avoid activities that increase your risk of a bruising or bleeding injury. Use extra caution to avoid cuts when brushing your teeth or shaving. Avoid drinking alcohol while receiving eptifibatide. Alcohol may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

Eptifibatide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• nosebleed or other bleeding that will not stop;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, fever, and urinating more or less than usual.

Less serious side effects may also occur, such as:

• nausea, stomach pain;
• runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat; or
• mild headache or dizziness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect eptifibatide?

Before receiving eptifibatide, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, ardeparin (Normiflo), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep); or
• any other medications used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase (Activase), anistreplase (Eminase), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine), streptokinase (Kabikinase, Streptase), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or urokinase (Abbokinase).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to receive eptifibatide, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect eptifibatide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about eptifibatide written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Eptifibatide is available with a prescription under the brand name Integrilin. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.