In order to carry out its action, argatroban must be administered parenterally and, more precisely, intravenously.
In Italy, a "unique medicinal specialty based on argatroban is approved, the trade name of which is Novastan®. It is a class H drug that can only be used in hospitals or in similar structures (OSP).
Examples of Specialty Medicines containing Argatroban
- Novastan®
;
Furthermore, it is recalled that the use of argatroban in children and adolescents is not recommended, as there are insufficient data to establish which doses of the active substance can be considered safe and effective in this category of patients.
(SOP), over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal and phytotherapeutic products and homeopathic products.Since ethanol is present as an excipient in the medicinal product containing the active substance in question, the possibility that this substance affects the activity of other drugs, such as metronidazole (an antibiotic) or disulfiram (active substance used in treatment of alcoholism).
Finally, it should be remembered that its use in combination with other anticoagulant medicines increases the risk of bleeding.
manifesting side effects different in type and intensity, or not manifesting them at all.
Here are just some of the main side effects that can occur during treatment with argatroban. For more information, please contact the doctor who will administer the drug.
Cardiovascular Disorders
Treatment with argatroban could cause:
- Atrial fibrillation;
- Tachycardia;
- Ventricular tachycardia;
- Supraventricular arrhythmia;
- Cardiac arrest;
- Myocardial infarction;
- Pericardial effusion;
- Hypertension or hypotension;
- Deep vein thrombosis;
- Phlebitis;
- Thrombophlebitis;
- Peripheral ischemia;
- Peripheral embolism.
Liver disorders
Argatroban therapy could lead to:
- Changes in liver function;
- Hyperbilirubinemia;
- Liver failure;
- Jaundice
- Hepatomegaly.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Argatroban could cause the appearance of:
- Nausea and / or vomiting;
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dysphagia;
- Gastritis;
- Gastrointestinal bleeding;
- Melena.
Disorders of the respiratory system
Treatment with argatroban could cause:
- Dyspnea;
- Hypoxia;
- Pulmonary haemorrhage;
- Pulmonary embolism.
Alteration of diagnostic tests
Administration of argatroban could cause:
- Decrease in prothrombin values;
- Decrease in the values of the coagulation factor;
- Increased clotting time;
- Increase of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase values;
- Increased blood levels of alkaline phosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase.
Other side effects
Other side effects that may occur during treatment with argatroban include:
- Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals;
- Reactions at the injection site;
- Fever and exhaustion;
- Dizziness;
- Headache;
- Syncope;
- Visual and hearing disturbances;
- Coagulation disorders;
- Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia;
- Skin disorders, including purpura, rash and alopecia;
- Hematuria;
- Kidney failure;
- Muscle weakness and myalgia.
Overdose
Since argatroban must be administered by a specialized physician, the risk of overdose is a rare event, although not impossible. Should this occur, the administration of the active substance must be interrupted, or the infusion rate reduced, depending on the conditions. cases. There are no specific antidotes, therefore, treatment will be symptomatic and supportive.
in fibrin, the activation of coagulation factors V, VIII and XIII, the activation of protein C and platelet aggregation. All this results in a block of the coagulation process, and therefore of the formation of the blood clot.partial activated).
?There is no adequate information regarding the safe use of argatroban in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
As a precaution, it is preferable to avoid the administration of argatroban during gestation, unless it is absolutely necessary and indispensable; in any case, such a decision can only be made by the doctor.
Breastfeeding should be avoided and discontinued if administration of the active ingredient is necessary.
