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Abciximab (Injection)

Introduction:

Abciximab (ab-SIX-i-mab)

Prevents blood clots from forming during a procedure to open blocked blood vessels.

Brand Name(s):

Reopro

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to abciximab or murine proteins, or under certain conditions that may affect blood clotting. These conditions may include a personal or family history of bleeding problems, internal bleeding within the past 6 weeks (including bleeding ulcers or blood in your urine), a history of stroke, using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®) within the past week, major surgery or injury within the last 6 weeks, cancer, very high blood pressure, or vasculitis.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
  • You may also receive other blood thinners, such as aspirin and heparin, which will work together to help keep you from getting blood clots.
  • You will get a dose of the medicine before your procedure and will continue to receive the medicine for about 12 hours afterwards.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using dipyridamole (Persantine®, Aggrenox®), ticlopidine (Ticlid®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), thrombolytic medicine such as alteplase (Activase®) and streptokinase (Streptase®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, Advil®, Aleve®, Daypro®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, or Voltaren®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • This medicine may cause you to bleed more easily. This is more likely to happen within the first several hours, but this effect may last up to 3 days. Be careful to not cut or bruise yourself.
  • You will probably need to stay in bed for several hours after you stop getting this medicine.
  • Tell your doctor if you have received abciximab before.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • Blood in the urine or bloody or black, tarry stools
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising, especially where the IV needle or catheter was placed
  • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Back pain
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010
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