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What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving argatroban (Acova)?

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

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• a stomach ulcer or bleeding;
• liver disease;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (such as hemophilia).
• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);
• if you have recently had a spinal tap or epidural anesthesia; or
• if you have recently had major surgery (especially eye surgery, brain surgery, or spinal cord surgery).

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use argatroban, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication 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.

It is not known whether argatroban passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is argatroban given (Acova)?

Argatroban is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. If you are having angioplasty, you will receive the argatroban injection during your procedure in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given throughout the entire angioplasty procedure.

Argatroban is sometimes given together with aspirin.

Argatroban is given around the clock until your blood coagulates properly. Your doctor will test your blood often to determine how long to treat you with argatroban.

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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