Faximab is a prescription only anti - platelet drug. It is prescribed to prevent ischemic problems in the heart, before angiogram and short term prevention of heart attacks in patients with unstable angina. It is a platelet glycoprotein iib/iiia inhibitor. Nausea, vomiting and increased bleeding tendency are the commonest problems. Other commonest brand name is Reopro® by Lilly pharmaceuticals.
Overview
Heart attacks and ischemic problems are caused by the blockade of the arteries that supply the heart (coronary arteries). This is mainly caused by the formation of blood clots within the arteries.
Inhibition of platelet glycoprotein iib and iiia prevent platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation is required for the blood clot formation.
This medication is only available as intravenous injections. It is usually used by experts in specialized units.
What doctors should know before prescribing Faximab?
If the patient has active internal bleeding, underwent major surgery/intracranial surgery within last two months, stroke within last two years, brain cancer, arteriovenous malformation or aneurism, severe uncontrolled hypertension, reduced platelet counts or vasculitis then doctors won’t prescribe Faximab.
Faximab should not be used in breast feeding as well. The doctor should know whether the patient is pregnant or not. If the patient has kidney or liver disease, then discuss it with the doctor before prescribing Faximab.
What doctors do before prescribing Faximab?
Doctors will do several blood tests before and after starting Faximab. They are Prothrombin time, Activated clotting time, Activated partial thromboplastin time, blood hemoglobin level and blood hematocrit. These tests measure the blood clotting tendency in the patient. If the tendency is less, then the patient is not suitable for Faximab. Doctors use this drug cautiously in elderly patients.
What are common side effects?
Increased bleeding following a wound or increased spontaneous bleeding is the main problematic side effect. Other than that some patients can have nausea and vomiting.
Reduced blood pressure is another side effect. This will manifest as faintish ness, dizziness and light headedness.
Reduced heart rate can occur in certain patients. Some patients can complain chest pain. Back pain is another troublesome side effect. Headache can occur with certain patients.
Irritation and pain in the injection site is another common adverse effect.
What are the rare side effects?
Cardiac tamponade can occur rarely. Breathing difficulty and respiratory distress can occur very rarely.
Allergic reactions such as hives, edema of the tongue and lips can occur rarely in some patients. Sometimes a life threatening complication called anaphylactic shock can occur. Widespread hives, shortness of breath and pallor is characteristic. Patients with this condition need urgent medical help.
Overview
Heart attacks and ischemic problems are caused by the blockade of the arteries that supply the heart (coronary arteries). This is mainly caused by the formation of blood clots within the arteries.
Inhibition of platelet glycoprotein iib and iiia prevent platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation is required for the blood clot formation.
This medication is only available as intravenous injections. It is usually used by experts in specialized units.
What doctors should know before prescribing Faximab?
If the patient has active internal bleeding, underwent major surgery/intracranial surgery within last two months, stroke within last two years, brain cancer, arteriovenous malformation or aneurism, severe uncontrolled hypertension, reduced platelet counts or vasculitis then doctors won’t prescribe Faximab.
Faximab should not be used in breast feeding as well. The doctor should know whether the patient is pregnant or not. If the patient has kidney or liver disease, then discuss it with the doctor before prescribing Faximab.
What doctors do before prescribing Faximab?
Doctors will do several blood tests before and after starting Faximab. They are Prothrombin time, Activated clotting time, Activated partial thromboplastin time, blood hemoglobin level and blood hematocrit. These tests measure the blood clotting tendency in the patient. If the tendency is less, then the patient is not suitable for Faximab. Doctors use this drug cautiously in elderly patients.
What are common side effects?
Increased bleeding following a wound or increased spontaneous bleeding is the main problematic side effect. Other than that some patients can have nausea and vomiting.
Reduced blood pressure is another side effect. This will manifest as faintish ness, dizziness and light headedness.
Reduced heart rate can occur in certain patients. Some patients can complain chest pain. Back pain is another troublesome side effect. Headache can occur with certain patients.
Irritation and pain in the injection site is another common adverse effect.
What are the rare side effects?
Cardiac tamponade can occur rarely. Breathing difficulty and respiratory distress can occur very rarely.
Allergic reactions such as hives, edema of the tongue and lips can occur rarely in some patients. Sometimes a life threatening complication called anaphylactic shock can occur. Widespread hives, shortness of breath and pallor is characteristic. Patients with this condition need urgent medical help.
