The reference site for Lepirudin

Lepirudin is an anticoagulant that functions as a direct thrombin inhibitor.

WHAT IS Lepirudin?

Lepirudin is a “blood thinner” (anticoagulant) used to treat patients who have developed a reaction to another type of anticoagulant (patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia).

This medication is also used along with antiplatelet therapy (e.g. aspirin) to treat worsening angina/chest pain and certain types of heart attacks such as Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).

Brand Name(s): Refludan
CAS nº: 120993-53-5


Product Info

The sections below will provide you with more specific information and guidelines related to lepirudin and its correct use. Please read them carefully.

FDA Information

In 1998, lepirudin (Refludan®) became the first drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HIT. A prescription is required for this medicine.

Please visit the official site of the FDA for further information.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Lepirudin is a “blood thinner” (anticoagulant) used to treat patients who have developed a reaction to another type of anticoagulant (such as patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia).



Lepirudin belongs to a group of medicines known of as hirudins. Lepirudin is a synthetic version of the substance that leeches inject into flesh when biting to prevent blood clotting. When blood begins to clot, a complicated cascade of chemicals is activated within the body. This results in the formation of a protein called thrombin. Thrombin is central for the complete process of blood clotting. Lepirudin acts to directly inhibit thrombin by binding to it and so interfering with the blood clotting process. Lepirudin is used as an alternative to heparin (a more commonly used anti-clotting medicine) for people who have developed a blood disorder due to heparin.

Other uses for this medicine


Dosage and using this medicine

Lepirudin should always be administered intravenously via injection and infusion, by a healthcare professional, in a hospital setting.

How to use Lepirudin IV

Follow all instructions for proper mixing, dilution with the correct IV fluids, and monitoring of treatment (e.g. aPTT monitoring). If you have any questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist

Give the initial bolus dose of this medication by vein (IV) over 15 to 20 seconds followed by a continuous IV infusion mixed in a saline (NS) or dextrose-based (D5W) solution as directed by your doctor.



What special precautions should I follow?


Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to lepirudin, bivalirudin, or if you have any other allergies.

Moreover, please inform your doctor about your medical history, especially regarding kidney or liver problems, recent surgery/major medical procedures or biopsies, bleeding problems (e.g. clotting difficulty, any stomach, eye, brain, or lung bleeding), stroke, heart infections (bacterial endocarditis), or high blood pressure (hypertension).

It is also important that your doctor knows of all prescription and non-prescription medication you may use, especially other “blood- thinning” drugs (e.g. aspirin, warfarin, or thrombolytics such as tPA or streptokinase).


Additionally, this medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Moreover, it is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk, so please discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to breast-feed.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose or your dose is interrupted, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Injection site reactions (e.g. redness or discomfort) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not suffer from serious side effects.


easy bruising or bleeding
pink or red-colored urine
black or bloody stool
coffee-ground vomit
weakness on one side of the body
vision problems
nausea or vomiting
confusion or dizziness
slurred speech


yellowing eyes or skin
dark urine


a rash
severe dizziness
trouble breathing


What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Store the unmixed powder/vials at room temperature or in a refrigerator between 36 and 77 degrees F (2 and 25 degrees C).

Once mixed, the medication should be used immediately and is stable throughout the time of the infusion (24 hours). Discard any unused portion of the vial(s).

In case of an emergency/overdose

In the case of a suspected overdose, call your local poison control center on 1-800-222-1222. However, if the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, please call the local emergency services on 911.

Symptoms of an overdose may include severe bleeding.

Product Images


Below you will find images and specific information on the principal types of lepirudin that exist, including their respective brand name(s), strength, inscription codes, manufacturers and/or distributors.



Strength(s): 50 MG

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