Abciximab
About
Abciximab belongs to the group of medicines called 'antiplatelet agents' used to prevent the formation of blood clots, thereby reducing the chance of Myocardial infarction. Abciximab is used as an adjunct during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure in patients with unstable angina not responding to conventional medical therapy when PCI procedure is planned within 24 hours.
Abciximab contains Abciximab, which belongs to the monoclonal anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antibodies class. It works by blocking the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor's activity, thereby preventing platelet aggregation. This causes inhibition of fibrinogen binding, reducing the chance of blood clot formation. Abciximab results in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction (heart attack), repeat coronary revascularization, and stent thrombosis (ST).
Abciximab may cause certain side effects such as bleeding, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, hypotension, vomiting, dizziness, back pain, and pain at the site of injection. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor. A trained healthcare professional will administer Abciximab. So, do not self-administer. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine based on your health condition.
Abciximab should be avoided if you are allergic to it. It is contraindicated in patients who have active internal bleeding, thrombocytopenia, severe uncontrolled hypertension, had recent major surgery or trauma, a history of cerebrovascular accident within the last two years, or recent gastrointestinal or genitourinary bleeding, intracranial neoplasm, aneurysm, used dextran before PCI procedure, and history of vasculitis as it can cause serious adverse effects. Abciximab is administered along with aspirin and heparin. Hence, close monitoring of patients is needed for any bleeding conditions. Talk to your doctor before receiving Abciximab, have/had a recent severe injury or surgery due to risk of severe bleeding problems. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving this medicine. Abciximab is not recommended for children below 12 years of age as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Uses of Abciximab
Medicinal Benefits
Abciximab contains Abciximab, which belongs to the monoclonal anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antibodies class. It works by blocking the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor's activity, thereby preventing platelet aggregation. This causes inhibition of fibrinogen binding, reducing the chance of blood clot formation. Abciximab results in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction (heart attack), repeat coronary revascularization, and stent thrombosis (ST). This medicine is always administered along with aspirin and heparin.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Abciximab
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Hypotension
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Pain at the site of injection
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not receive Abciximab if you are allergic to it. This medicine is contraindicated in patients having active internal bleeding, thrombocytopenia, recent major surgery or trauma, severe uncontrolled hypertension, history of cerebrovascular accident within two years, or recent gastrointestinal or genitourinary bleeding, intracranial neoplasm, aneurysm, use of dextran before PCI procedure, and history of vasculitis as it can cause serious adverse effects. Abciximab is administered along with aspirin and heparin. Hence, close monitoring of patients is needed for any bleeding conditions. Talk to your doctor before receiving Abciximab if you have/had a recent severe injury or surgery due to the risk of severe bleeding problems. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving this medicine. Abciximab is not recommended for children below 12 years of age as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Abciximab may interact with pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib, hydrocodone, tramadol), blood thinners (clopidogrel, dalteparin, enoxaparin, rivaroxaban, prasugrel), ACE Inhibitors (captopril, Enalapril), calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, cilnidipine), beta-blockers (atenolol, sotalol), warfarin, heparin.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have bleeding problems, coronary and cerebral vascular disease, liver or kidney disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol intake might increase the risk of stomach or intestine bleeding. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption. Consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is also unknown whether Abciximab can cause fetal damage or alter reproductive capacity when given to a pregnant woman. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine only if clearly needed.
Breast Feeding
cautionLimited data are available on the effect of Abciximab on breastfeeding. Hence, if you are a nursing mother, inform your doctor before receiving Abciximab. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
not applicableAbciximab is used in PCI procedures in a hospital setting. Driving is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have liver problems, inform your doctor beforehand.
Kidney
unsafeIf you have kidney impairment, inform your doctor beforehand.
Children
unsafeAbciximab is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age, as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, skinless poultry, fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight with proper diet and exercise.
- Managing stress with meditation, yoga, and massage.
- Avoid eating fried food, fast food, boxed food, canned food, and processed frozen meals.
Special Advise
- Before administration of Abciximab, a blood test for platelet count, prothrombin time, ACT and APTT should be done to check for any hemostatic abnormalities.
- As Abciximab will be administered along with heparin and aspirin, it is always important to check the patient for any bleeding conditions.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Blood clot: Platelets are small cell particles that circulate in the blood. When the blood vessel is damaged or cut, the platelets clump together and lead to the formation of a clot. Thus, it prevents bleeding. The formation of clots in arteries can cut off the blood supply, leading to heart attack, stroke or death. Clot formation in the arteries that supply blood to the heart may cause reduced blood flow, leading to unstable angina (chest pain).
Myocardial infarction: Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack or stroke, could occur due to the lack of blood and oxygen supply in the heart. Symptoms include chest pain, upper body pain, sweating, weakness, trouble breathing, lightheadedness and nausea.
FAQs
Abciximab contains Abciximab, which works by blocking the activity of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor and thereby prevents platelet aggregation. This causes inhibition of fibrinogen binding, reducing the chance of blood clot formation.
Abciximab is usually administered along with heparin and aspirin, so it might increase the risk of bleeding. Inform the doctor immediately if you notice excess bleeding.
Abciximab may cause anaemia (low haemoglobin and low red blood cell count). So, it would be best to include iron-rich food in your diet to prevent anaemia.
