Bivalirudin is an anticoagulant (thrombin inhibitor) that helps prevent the formation of blood clots.

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

Bivalirudin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not receive bivalirudin if you have any major bleeding from a surgery, injury, or other medical trauma.

Tell your doctor if you are using blood thinners or receiving any other medications to treat or prevent blood clots.

Bivalirudin can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Seek medical attention if you have unusual bruising, or bleeding that will not stop.

Bivalirudin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection during your angioplasty procedure.

Your doctor may want you to continue receiving bivalirudin for a few hours after your angioplasty procedure.

Bivalirudin can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Seek medical attention if you have unusual bruising, or bleeding that will not stop.

You should not be treated with bivalirudin if you are allergic to bivalirudin, or if you have any major bleeding from a surgery, injury, or other medical trauma.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease;

• kidney disease;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia; or

• if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Since bivalirudin is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

Since bivalirudin is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

An overdose can cause excessive bleeding.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual bleeding);

• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech;

• urine that looks red, pink, or brown;

• swelling or redness in an arm or leg; or

• bleeding from wounds or needle injections, any bleeding that will not stop.

Bleeding is the most common side effect of bivalirudin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially other medicines to treat or prevent blood clots.

Other drugs may affect bivalirudin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.