Aprotinin (Injection)

Introduction:

Aprotinin

Prevents blood loss and reduces the need for blood transfusions during and after heart bypass operations. Products containing aprotinin (Trasylol®) were withdrawn from the U.S. market by Bayer Pharmaceuticals on November 5, 2007. This medicine is only available on a very limited basis for patients who are at increased risk of blood loss during heart bypass surgery and who have no other treatment choices.

Brand Name(s):

Trasylol

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to aprotinin, or if you have received aprotinin within the last 12 months.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using heparin or warfarin (Coumadin®). Also tell your doctor if you are using blood pressure medicines such as captopril (Capoten®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
  • This medicine might cause a serious allergic reaction. This risk is higher for patients who have received this medicine in the past. Your doctor will check to see if you are allergic to this medicine and will treat you for the allergy right away.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Changes in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, or muscle cramps.
  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
  • Fever.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
  • Pain in your lower leg (calf).
  • Seizures (convulsions).
  • Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Anxiety, dizziness, or agitation.
  • Cough.
  • Joint pain.
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