Bivalirudin

Bivalirudin for injection is indicated for use as an anticoagulant for use in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) including patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome. Bivalirudin for injection is a direct thrombin inhibitor indicated for use as an anticoagulant in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) including patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome (HITTS).

Bivalirudin directly inhibits thrombin by specifically binding both to the catalytic site and to the anion-binding exosite of circulating and clot-bound thrombin. Thrombin is a serine proteinase that plays a central role in the thrombotic process, acting to cleave fibrinogen into fibrin monomers and to activate Factor XIII to Factor XIIIa, allowing fibrin to develop a covalently cross-linked framework, which stabilizes the thrombus, thrombin also activates Factors V and VIII, promoting further thrombin generation, and activates platelets, stimulating aggregation and granule release. The binding of bivalirudin to thrombin is reversible as thrombin slowly cleaves the bivalirudin-Arg 3 -Pro 4 bond, resulting in recovery of thrombin active site functions.

• The recommended dosage is a 0.75 mg/kg intravenous bolus dose followed immediately by a 1.75 mg/kg/h intravenous infusion for the duration of the procedure. Five minutes after the bolus dose has been administered, an activated clotting time (ACT) should be performed and an additional bolus dose of 0.3 mg/kg should be given if needed. • Extending duration of infusion post-procedure up to 4 hours should be considered in patients with ST segment elevation MI (STEMI).

Bivalirudin is contraindicated in patients with: • Active major bleeding, • Hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to bivalirudin or its components. • Active major bleeding. • Hypersensitivity to bivalirudin or its components

• Bleeding Events: Bivalirudin increases the risk of bleeding. • Acute Stent Thrombosis: Increased incidence of acute stent thrombosis in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. • Thrombotic Risk with Coronary Artery Brachytherapy: An increased risk of thrombus formation, including fatal outcomes, in gamma brachytherapy.

Most common adverse reaction (>2%) was bleeding.

In clinical trials in patients undergoing PCI/ percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), coadministration of bivalirudin with heparin, warfarin, thrombolytics, or GPIs was associated with increased risks of major bleeding events compared to patients not receiving these concomitant medications. Heparin, warfarin, thrombolytics, or GPIs: Increased major bleeding risk with concomitant use.

Storage Store bivalirudin for injection dosage units at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), excursions to 15° to 30°C permitted.