When you are being treated for a heart condition, or before a surgery or procedure (such as angioplasty), your doctor may give you a special medicine to prevent blood clots. Bivalirudin is one such medicine, which is given intravenously under medical supervision only in a hospital. So today, let's talk about this medicine called Bivalirudin, what it does, and what we need to be careful about when taking it.
What kind of medicine is Bivalirudin?
Simply put, Bivalirudin is a drug that prevents blood from clotting, or helps keep the blood thin . In medical terms, we call this an ``anticoagulant''. It is mainly used to prevent the formation of blood clots inside the blood vessels.
Imagine, when someone is about to have a heart attack or is being treated for a blocked blood vessel in the heart, if a blood clot forms inside that vessel, the situation can get worse. That's when doctors use this drug. It can be found in the market under brand names like Angiomax.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving this medicine
Before you start treatment with Bivalirudin, there are a few things you need to tell your medical team. Be sure to mention these.
- If you have bleeding disorders .
- If you have any allergies to bivalirudin or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether to give you this medicine or not, and if so, how to give it.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medication that you can take home. When you are in a hospital or clinic, it is given as an infusion into your vein by trained medical staff. So everything, including the dose and speed of administration, is under their control.
Special care is required when giving this medicine to children. Your doctor will inform you about this.
What to do if you overdose?
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed, you should inform the hospital staff immediately. If necessary, they will contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice, or seek assistance from the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, absolutely. Because bivalirudin is a blood thinner, the risk of bleeding is much higher if it is taken with other blood thinners . Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
Bivalirudin may interact with the following medications in particular:
- Blood thinners (e.g. heparin)
- Blood thinners such as Warfarin
- Mifepristone
- Other blood thinners such as Abciximab, Clopidogrel, Eptifibatide, Tirofiban
- Painkillers (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac
This list is not complete, so it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
You will be under constant medical supervision while taking this medicine. Also, be aware of these things.
- Avoid injuries: Avoid sports and activities that can cause falls and injuries. A serious fall or injury can cause internal bleeding that is not visible.
- Caution: Be very careful when using sharp tools and knives. If you are shaving, it is safer to use an electric razor.
- Teeth and Gums: When brushing and flossing, brush slowly. Be careful not to let your gums bleed.
- Medical tests: Your doctor will often ask you to have blood tests. Get them done on time.
- Other surgeries: If you are having any other surgery or tooth extraction, be sure to tell the doctor that you are taking Bivalirudin.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Bivalirudin can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common. Learn more about them in the table below.
| Type of side effect | Features you should be aware of |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor or nurse immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Signs of Bleeding | Black or tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bleeding from the nose, gums, or eyes; bleeding that won't stop, even from a minor cut. |
| Signs of a Blood Clot | Chest pain; difficulty breathing; pain, swelling, or a warm feeling in a leg. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Vision changes; confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding; severe headache; sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; difficulty walking; dizziness. |
| Things to inform the doctor if they persist | |
| Pain at the injection site | Pain, redness, or slight swelling at the injection site. |
Take-Home Message
- Bivalirudin is a powerful drug that prevents blood clots. It is only given in a hospital, under medical supervision.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, allergies, and all medications you are taking.
- While receiving this treatment, completely avoid activities that could cause injury.
- If you notice unusual bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke, notify medical staff immediately.
- Remember that this is not a medicine you can take home. Everything happens in the hospital.
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