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What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving eptifibatide (Integrilin)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to eptifibatide, if you have or will soon receive treatment with similar medications such as abciximab (ReoPro) or tirofiban (Aggrastat), or if you have:

• kidney failure and you are on dialysis;
• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• history of a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia;
• if you have had a stroke or any type of bleeding within the past 30 days; or
• if you have had any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 6 weeks.

To make sure you can safely receive eptifibatide, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.

FDA Pregnancy Category B. Eptifibatide is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, aspirin is sometimes given with eptifibatide, 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.

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

How is eptifibatide given (Integrilin)?

Eptifibatide is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Eptifibatide is sometimes given around the clock for up to 4 days in a row.

If you are receiving this injection during an angioplasty procedure, the medicine will be given throughout the entire procedure and for up to 24 hours after the procedure.

Eptifibatide is sometimes given together with aspirin. Follow your doctor's instructions about how much aspirin to take and for how long.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Because eptifibatide 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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