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Desirudin Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 15, 2024.

Applies to the following strengths: 15 mg

Usual Adult Dose for Deep Vein Thrombosis - Prophylaxis

Initial dose: 15 mg subcutaneously 5 to 15 minutes prior to surgery (but after induction of regional block anesthesia, if used)
Maintenance dose: 15 mg subcutaneously every 12 hours

Duration of therapy: Up to 12 days (9 to 12 days on average) has been well tolerated in controlled clinical trials.

Comments: All patients should be evaluated for bleeding disorder risk before prophylactic administration of this drug.

Use: Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing elective hip replacement surgery.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Mild renal dysfunction (CrCl 61 to 90 mL/min): No adjustment recommended.

Moderate renal dysfunction (CrCl 31 to 60 mL/min): 5 mg subcutaneously every 12 hours; if activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) exceeds 2 times control, interrupt therapy until aPTT returns to less than 2 times control and resume therapy at a reduced dose guided by the initial degree of aPTT abnormality.

Severe renal dysfunction (CrCl less than 31 mL/min): 1.7 mg subcutaneously every 12 hours; if aPTT exceeds 2 times control, interrupt therapy until aPTT returns to less than 2 times control and consider further dose reductions guided by the initial degree of aPTT abnormality.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Use with caution

Dose Adjustments

If peak activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) exceeds 2 times control: Reduce the dose based on the degree of aPTT abnormality. If necessary, interrupt therapy until aPTT returns to less than 2 times control, at which time treatment can be resumed at a reduced dose.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:


US BOXED WARNING:

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:


Storage requirements:

Reconstitution/preparation techniques: The manufacturer product information should be consulted.

Monitoring:

Patient advice: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any signs or symptoms of neurological impairment (e.g., midline back pain, numbness or weakness in the lower limbs, bowel and/or bladder dysfunction).

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.