xigrisDrotrecogin Alfa

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for xigris Drotrecogin Alfa - Inj

Uses
Drotrecogin alfa is a man-made (recombinant) form of a natural enzyme called Activated Protein C. It is used to treat severe/life-threatening infections in the blood (severe sepsis associated with acute organ failure).

Storage

Store unmixed/powder vials in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C) away from light.
Do not freeze.
Once mixed, the vials are good for 3 hours at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C).
Discard any unused portion of the vial(s).
After mixing and subsequent dilution with IV fluids, this product must be used immediately and is stable at room temperature for 12 hours only.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, stop the medication and contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include: severe bleeding problems (see Side Effects section).

xigris Drotrecogin Alfa - Inj XIGRIS

How To Use

Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids.
If you have any questions regarding the use of Xigris, consult your pharmacist.
When mixing Xigris, do not shake the vial(s).
Gently swirl the mixture until all the powder has dissolved.
Shaking Xigris may cause it to become ineffective.
Because of stability issues with Xigris, each dose must be made immediately before it is given.
Give Xigris by vein (IV) continuously for 4 days (96 hours) mixed in a saline solution (NS).
Each IV bag/bottle is given over 12 hours for a total of 8 bags/bottles; or give as directed by the doctor.
The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy.
Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
If either is present do not use the liquid.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
Consult your pharmacist.

Side Effects

No minor side effects are expected to occur.
If any minor non-bleeding side effects occur, notify the doctor.
Tell the doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, bloody diarrhea, black stool, coffee-ground vomit, pink-colored/red urine, stomach/abdominal pain, one-sided weakness, vision problems, slurred speech, confusion.
An allergic reaction to Xigris is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor.

Precautions

Xigris is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: severe bleeding problems (e.g., internal bleeding, severe injury), conditions at risk for severe bleeding (e.g., recent stroke, recent head or spine surgery), brain disorders (e.g., aneurysm, tumors), currently have an epidural catheter.
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, HIV, organ transplants (especially of the bone marrow, lung, liver, pancreas, or small bowel), ulcers, low platelet counts, any allergies.
Xigris should be stopped 2 hours before having a surgical procedure and, if required, not restarted until 12 hours after the procedure.
Xigris should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Xigris passes into breast milk.
Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Xigris is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If a dose is stopped or interrupted, contact the doctor to establish a new dosing schedule/rate.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, heparin, warfarin, IIb/IIIa inhibitors), clot-dissolving drugs (e.g., thrombolytics such as alteplase, reteplase, urokinase).
Xigris may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., activated partial thromboplastin times-aPTT).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.