Eptifibatide
About
Eptifibatide belongs to the group of medicines called 'antiplatelet agents' used to prevent the formation of blood clots, thereby reducing the chance of Myocardial infarction. Eptifibatide is used in the treatment of Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in both patients who need to be managed medically and also people undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. ACS is defined as a group of serious cardiac conditions wherein the blood flow to the heart decreases due to plaque formation. Eptifibatide is also used in the treatment of patients undergoing urgent PCI procedures and also in patients undergoing intracoronary stenting.
Eptifibatide contains Eptifibatide, 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. Eptifibatide reduces the risk of cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Eptifibatide may cause certain side effects, such as bleeding, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, hypotension, vomiting, dizziness, decreased platelet count, 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 Eptifibatide. So, do not self-administer. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine based on your health condition.
Eptifibatide should be avoided if you are allergic to it. It is contraindicated in patients who have active internal bleeding, history of bleeding diathesis within 30 days, thrombocytopenia, severe uncontrolled hypertension, had recent major surgery or trauma, renal failure, using another glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, a history of cerebrovascular accident within the last two years, or recent gastrointestinal or genitourinary bleeding, intracranial neoplasm, aneurysm, as it can cause serious adverse effects. Eptifibatide is known to cause bleeding problems. If you observe severe bleeding that cannot be controlled, it is advised to stop administering Eptifibatide immediately. Hence, close monitoring is needed for any bleeding conditions. Talk to your doctor before receiving Eptifibatide if you had a recent severe injury or surgery due to the risk of severe bleeding problems. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Eptifibatide. Eptifibatide is not recommended for children below 12 years of age as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Uses of Eptifibatide
Medicinal Benefits
Eptifibatide contains Eptifibatide, 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. Eptifibatide results in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction (heart attack) and other cardiac events.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Eptifibatide
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Hypotension
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Low platelet count
- Pain at the site of injection
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not receive Eptifibatide if you are allergic to it. It is contraindicated in patients who have active internal bleeding, history of bleeding diathesis within 30 days, thrombocytopenia, severe uncontrolled hypertension, had recent major surgery or trauma, renal failure, using another glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, a history of cerebrovascular accident within the last two years, or recent gastrointestinal or genitourinary bleeding, intracranial neoplasm, aneurysm, as it can cause serious adverse effects. Eptifibatide is known to cause bleeding problems. However, if you observe severe bleeding that cannot be controlled, it is advised to stop administering Eptifibatide immediately. Hence, close monitoring of patients is needed for any bleeding conditions. Talk to your doctor before receiving Eptifibatide if you had a recent severe injury or surgery due to the risk of severe bleeding problems. Before taking Eptifibatide inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding due to serious foetal harm. Eptifibatide is not recommended for children below 12 years of age as efficacy and safety have not been established. Talk to your doctor before receiving Eptifibatide if you have/had a recent severe injury or surgery due to the risk of severe bleeding problems.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Eptifibatide 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, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (tirofiban, abciximab).
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
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Eptifibatide. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Eptifibatide. Your doctor may suggest you stop feeding while on treatment with this medicine.
Driving
not applicableEptifibatide is used in PCI procedures in a hospital setting. Driving is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have liver problems, inform your doctor beforehand.
Kidney
cautionIf you have kidney impairment, inform your doctor beforehand. Eptifibatide is not recommended for use in patients with renal toxicity.
Children
unsafeEptifibatide 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 Eptifibatide, a blood test for CBC, serum creatinine, platelet count, prothrombin time, ACT, and APTT should be done to check for any hemostatic abnormalities.
- If heparin is given, 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 form 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 heart's lack of blood and oxygen supply. Symptoms include chest pain, upper body pain, sweating, weakness, trouble breathing, lightheadedness and nausea.
Acute coronary syndrome: Acute coronary syndrome is a group of serious cardiac conditions wherein the blood flow to the heart decreases. It is most often caused due to plaque rupture or clot formation in the heart's arteries. The symptoms may include heart attack-like chest pressure, chest pressure while resting or doing light activity, or sudden heart stoppage.
FAQs
Eptifibatide contains Eptifibatide (anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor), which 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.
Eptifibatide is known to increase the risk of bleeding. However, if the patient has uncontrollable bleeding, discontinue the medicine immediately.
Eptifibatide 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.
