ARGATROBAN
Background and Date of Approval
Argatroban received U.S. FDA approval as an anticoagulant for the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) on 30 June 2000. HIT is a rare but serious condition that may develop following exposure to heparin, a commonly used blood thinner.
Uses
Argatroban is used in the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). It works by binding to the active site of thrombin, an enzyme that is essential for blood clot formation. This prevents thrombin from activating other clotting factors and forming clots.
How is it administered?
Argatroban will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in a vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Argatroban are anemia, blood clotting, purpura bleeding (numerous small bleeding in the skin and mucus membranes), and nausea. Serious side effects while taking Argatroban are bleeding or bruising, blood in urine or stools, vomiting or coughing up blood, black stools, difficulty in breathing, cold sweaty skin, dry mouth, or dilated pupils with a weak and rapid pulse.
Warnings
Argatroban should not be consumed if you are allergic to Argatroban or any of its ingredients in the medication. Avoid taking this medicine if you have uncontrolled bleeding or severely impaired liver function. Notify your doctor if you have an increased risk of bleeding and recently had injections or infusions of other anticoagulants such as heparin. This medicine is not advised to use in children under 18 years old. Do not consume alcohol and avoid driving.
Precautions
Before taking the medicine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding. Notify your doctor if you have or have had a history of any disease. Argatroban should be used cautiously in patients with liver conditions. Your doctor will adjust the dose if needed. Contact your doctor for more information.
Word of Advice
Patients with liver conditions should take Argatroban with caution and inform their doctor of all underlying medical conditions. Do not stop this medicine without your doctor's advice. Do not double-dose to compensate for a missed dose. In patients with HIT type II, there is a higher risk of developing dangerous blood clots that may lead to heart attacks, strokes, breathing difficulties, and impaired blood flow to the limbs. This medicine helps prevent these complications or prevents them from worsening. Do not breastfeed while taking Argatroban unless your doctor advises otherwise. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your doctor will determine if dose adjustments are necessary. Contact your doctor for further information.
References
Central Pharma (Contract Packing) Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on March 2021] [Accessed on 13th July 2023], Novastan Multidos conc f sol f inf ENG (medicines.org.uk) KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Drugs affecting Coagulation, bleeding and Thrombosis, 7th edition, 2013, 620. GlaxoSmithKline, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Accessed on 13th April 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/020883s014lbl.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
How to manage the side effects of Argatroban?
To manage the side effects of Argatroban, follow the prescribed dosage, and report side effects promptly. Stay hydrated, and monitor blood pressure regularly. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, and attend follow-up appointments.
When to stop Argatroban before surgery?
The decision to discontinue argatroban before surgery should be made by a healthcare professional, taking into consideration various factors such as the type of surgery, the patient's underlying medical condition, and the risk of bleeding. So, consult your doctor for more information.
Can you take Argatroban when pregnant?
Consult your medical professional regarding the use of Argatroban during pregnancy. The potential benefits and risks should be carefully assessed. Your doctor will suggest taking this medicine only if it's necessary.
What are the side effects of Argatroban?
Common side effects of Argatroban include bleeding or bruising, blood in urine or stools, vomiting or coughing up blood, black stools, difficulty in breathing, cold, sweaty skin, dry mouth, dilated pupils and/or weak rapid pulse. It is crucial to consult your doctor for any concerns or persistent side effects.
How does argatroban work?
Argatroban binds to thrombin and prevents it from binding to fibrinogen, a protein that is involved in blood clotting. This prevents thrombin from forming a clot.