What is the most important information I should know about drotrecogin alfa?
You should not receive this medication if you have active internal bleeding, brain cancer,
tumor, or bleeding in the brain. You should also not receive drotrecogin alfa if you have had
brain or spine surgery or a head injury in the past 2 months, or if you have had a stroke within the
past 3 months.
Before receiving drotrecogin alfa, tell your doctor if you have severe liver disease, a
bleeding or blood clotting disorder, if you have recently had stomach or intestinal bleeding, or
have recently taken aspirin, a blood-thinner, or medications to treat or prevent blood clots.
What is drotrecogin alfa?
Drotrecogin alfa is a form of human protein (Protein C).
Drotrecogin alfa is used to treat sepsis in patients who have a high risk of death due to
multi-system organ failure.
Drotrecogin alfa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving drotrecogin alfa?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to drotrecogin alfa, or if you
have:
-
active internal bleeding;
-
brain cancer, tumor, or bleeding in the brain;
-
if you have had brain or spine surgery or a head injury in
the past 2 months; or
-
if you have had a stroke within the past 3 months.
Before you receive drotrecogin alfa, tell your doctor if you are allergic
to any drugs, or if you have:
-
severe liver disease;
-
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
-
if you have had stomach or intestinal bleeding within the
past 6 weeks;
-
if you have received treatment for blood clots within the
past 3 days; or
-
if you have taken aspirin or a blood thinner (such as
warfarin, Coumadin), or anti-platelet medication (dipyridamole, Persantine, clopidogrel, Plavix)
within the past 7 days.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely receive drotrecogin alfa.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether drotrecogin alfa 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 drotrecogin alfa given?
Drotrecogin alfa is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will
most likely receive this injection in a hospital setting.
Drotrecogin alfa must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 4 days
to complete.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since drotrecogin alfa is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that
you will miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include unusual bleeding, or any bleeding that won't stop.
What should I avoid while receiving drotrecogin alfa?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity
while you are receiving drotrecogin alfa..
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