What does it do?

Bivalirudin is used to treat and help prevent clots in your blood.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have bleeding or kidney problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How is it given?

Bivalirudin is given as an injection or infusion into a vein.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with bivalirudin including:

• anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren®), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®).
• low-dose aspirin (e.g. Cartia®) - sometimes prescribed with bivalirudin, check with your doctor.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Bleeding you cannot stop, bruises that get bigger, coughing or vomiting blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, red or black poo, severe headache (may be signs of bleeding)	Tell your doctor immediately

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Bivalirudin is not registered for use in New Zealand. Discuss with your doctor.