Abciximab
Introduction To Abciximab
Abciximab belongs to a group of medicines called antiplatelet medicines or blood thinners. It prevents the clotting of blood in the heart during, before, or after an angioplasty (procedure to improve blood flow to the heart).
Abciximab is administered under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the medicine for you. You should continue all your other medicines that are advised by the doctor for your long-term treatment even after this injection.
Use of this medicine may cause low blood platelets and increase your risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know immediately if you see pinpoint rash or blood in your vomits, urine, or stool. Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks associated with this medicine before it is administered.
This medicine is used with caution for some people. Thus, you must inform the doctor if you are suffering from any bleeding disorder, kidney or liver disease. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and about all the other medications that you are taking regularly.
Uses of Abciximab
- Prevention of Blood clots
Benefits of Abciximab
Prevention of Blood clots
Abciximab prevents new blood clots from forming and prevents the existing
ones from getting bigger. It works by blocking a substance in the body which
is involved in blood clotting. Thus it helps your blood flow smoothly
throughout the body. This can help reduce damage caused by clots in your lungs
(pulmonary embolism), brain (stroke), heart (heart attack), or other blood
vessels (thrombosis).
It can also be used to prevent clots from forming after surgery, for example, to replace a knee or hip joint. Although it does not “dissolve” blood clots, it can prevent them from getting bigger so your body can dissolve them over time. It can also make it less likely that parts of a clot will break off and travel to other parts of the body.
Side effects of Abciximab
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Abcixirel
- Bleeding
- Low blood platelets
How to use Abciximab
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Abciximab works
Abciximab is an antiplatelet medication. It works by preventing the platelets from sticking together, thereby decreasing the formation of harmful blood clots.
Quick tips
- It is usually given by your nurse or doctor as an infusion (drip) into a vein.
- It increases your risk of bleeding. Be careful while shaving, cutting fingernails or toenails or using sharp objects.
- Notify your doctor if you see blood in your vomit, urine or stool (black, tarry stools or bright red blood).
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Abciximab if I’m pregnant?
Abciximab may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Abciximab if I’m breastfeeding?
Abciximab is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Abciximab safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Abciximab. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingNOT RELEVANT
Can I drive after taking Abciximab?
Not relevant, as Abciximab is intended for use in hospitalised patients.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Abciximab if I have/had kidney diseases?
Abciximab should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Abciximab may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Abciximab is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Abciximab if I have/had liver diseases?
Abciximab should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Abciximab may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Abciximab is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can the use of Abciximab increase the risk of bleeding?
Yes, Abciximab increases the risk of bleeding. Always be careful while doing activities that may cause an injury or bleeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormal bruising or bleeding.
Q. What medicines should I avoid while taking Abciximab?
Abciximab can interact with several medicines. Do not take any medicine without talking to your doctor.
Q. When will I feel better after taking Abciximab?
Abciximab reduces your risk of developing blood clots in the blood vessels of your leg, lungs, heart and brain. You may not feel any difference after taking Abciximab. However, keep taking this medicine as prescribed by your doctor because you will still be getting its full benefits.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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