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Brand Names: Acova

Generic Name: argatroban (Pronunciation: ar GAT roe ban)

• What is argatroban (Acova)?
• What are the possible side effects of argatroban (Acova)?
• What is the most important information I should know about argatroban (Acova)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving argatroban (Acova)?
• How is argatroban given (Acova)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Acova)?
• What happens if I overdose (Acova)?
• What should I avoid while receiving argatroban (Acova)?
• What other drugs will affect argatroban (Acova)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is argatroban (Acova)?

Argatroban keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur while receiving heparin

Argatroban is used to treat or prevent blood clots in people who have thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets in the blood) caused by using heparin. Argatroban is sometimes used in people who are undergoing a procedure called angioplasty (to open blocked arteries).

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

What are the possible side effects of argatroban (Acova)?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any a serious side effect such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• unusual bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or any bleeding that will not stop;
• blood in your urine or stools, black or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• cough with yellow or green mucus, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, headache, or confusion;
• sudden problems with vision, speech, or balance; or
• sudden changes in your senses of taste or touch.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• back pain; or
• headache.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about argatroban (Acova)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to argatroban, or if you have any major bleeding from a surgery, injury, or other medical trauma.

Argatroban is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, aspirin is usually given with argatroban, and aspirin can cause bleeding when it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Aspirin can also cause side effects in a newborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with argatroban and aspirin.

Before receiving argatroban, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a stomach ulcer or bleeding, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia, severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, if you have recently had a spinal tap or epidural anesthesia, or if you have recently had major surgery (especially on your eyes, brain, or spinal cord).

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

Because argatroban keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

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