Abciximab, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: abciximab, injection; ReoPro

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection before you have surgery to open clogged coronary arteries. In this procedure, a balloon-tipped catheter is used to open clogged arteries. This medicine helps prevent blood clotting, which can cause serious problems. It is usually used with heparin and aspirin, both of which help prevent blood clots.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your health care provider if you have:

• had recent intestinal or rectal bleeding
• taken anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin within 7 days before the surgery
• had any bleeding problems in the past.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I use it?

You will get an injection (shot) directly into your vein 10 to 60 minutes before surgery. After this injection you will receive more of the same medicine by a continuous IV infusion (slow drip) for 12 hours. Your health care provider will give you this medicine.

What should I watch out for?

If you notice any bleeding during or after the IV infusion, call your health care provider right away. After you leave the hospital, get medical care right away if you have any bleeding problems.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you are unable to reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Bleeding that will not stop by applying pressure, allergic reaction (hives, itching, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing.)

Other: Nausea; vomiting; feeling weak, dizzy, or faint (which may be caused by a large drop in blood pressure); diarrhea; constipation.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• aspirin
• blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.