Aprotinin injection

What is aprotinin injection?

APROTININ (Trasylol®) affects the way in which blood clots. It is administered to patients who are undergoing open heart surgery. Aprotinin is mainly used during repeat coronary artery bypass surgery to reduce the amount of bleeding both during and after surgery. This reduces the amount of blood transfusion required. Generic aprotinin injections are not yet available.

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

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• previous treatment with aprotinin; it is very important that your prescriber or health care professional knows this as repeat use increases the possibility of having an allergic reaction

• an unusual or allergic reaction to aprotinin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should I use this medicine?

Aprotinin is for slow infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with aprotinin?

• agents that dissolve blood clots

• captopril

• heparin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking aprotinin?

Your condition will be closely monitored while you receive aprotinin.

What side effects might I notice from receiving aprotinin?

Most side effects are those that are likely to occur as a result of open-heart surgery regardless of treatment with aprotinin.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• decrease or increase in the amount of urine or difficulty passing urine

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• fast heart beat

• nausea, vomiting

• skin rash, irritation or inflammation

• sudden or severe pain in the chest, legs, head, or groin

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or neck

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.