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| Pronunciation |
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 (ar
GA troh
ban) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Anticoagulant, Thrombin Inhibitor |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to argatroban or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you are having any major bleeding
problems.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form.
It is used in patients who have developed low platelet counts (cells in the
blood) while on another blood thinner called
heparin.
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| How does it work? |
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- Argatroban changes the body's clotting
system.
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| How is it best taken? |
|
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- This medicine is given into a vein. It is given constantly. Later, the
patient is switched to a blood thinner taken by
mouth.
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|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- This medicine is given in the hospital. It will be given to you by a
healthcare provider.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
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- If you have had an ulcer in the stomach or intestines or any bleeding
problems, talk with healthcare provider.
- If you have high blood pressure that is not well controlled, talk with
healthcare provider.
- Use caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
- If you have had spinal anesthesia, major surgery, any bleeding
problems, or any spinal procedures, talk with healthcare provider.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
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- Bleeding problems. This includes nosebleeds, coughing up blood, blood
in the urine or stool, or bruising.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Watch for signs and symptoms of bleeding. If any, report them to
healthcare provider as soon as
possible.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
- Any bleeding problems.
- Any falls or accidents, especially if you hit your head. Call
healthcare provider even if you feel fine.
- Severe headaches.
- Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- This will be taken care of for
you.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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