What is Angiomax used for?
Angiomax is used to reduce the
risk of blood clotting in adults with severe chest pain (unstable angina) who are
undergoing a procedure to open blocked arteries in the heart (percutaneous transluminal
coronary angioplasty or PCTA). Angiomax is given by intravenous injection in addition to
aspirin during treatment.
The safety and effectiveness of Angiomax is not known in patients with unstable
angina who are not undergoing PCTA or in patients who have other heart problems. Angiomax
has also not been tested in combination with blood thinners other than aspirin.
Who should not be given Angiomax?
Angiomax should not be given to individuals who currently have major bleeding.
What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?
Because of the potential for increased bleeding with aspirin and Angiomax, tell
your doctor or health care provider if you:
- are pregnant
- have a medical condition that increases your risk of bleeding
- have a tendency to bleed easily
Because certain other medications can increase the risk of bleeding with
Angiomax, review all medications that you are taking with your health care provider,
including those that you take without a prescription. Tell your doctor or health care
provider if you are taking:
- blood thinners
- heparin
- thrombolytics, such as urokinase
What are some possible side effects of Angiomax?
(This is NOT
a complete list of side effects reported with Angiomax. Your doctor can discuss with you a
more complete list of side effects.)
The most common side effect of Angiomax is bleeding.
Other side effects include:
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Very low or very high blood pressure
- Headache
- Injection site pain
- Insomnia
- Pelvic pain
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
- Slow heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nervousness
- Upset stomach
For more detailed information about Angiomax, ask your doctor.
Link to Angiomax's approved label 
Posted: 6/18/01 |
