Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, usually in the abdomen or thighs.

If you are using desirudin at home, your doctor will teach you how to inject yourself with the medicine. Be sure to follow the directions carefully. Check with your doctor if you have any problems using the medicine.

You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. This will help prevent skin problems from the injections.

Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.

If the medicine in the vial (glass container) or prefilled syringe has changed color, or if you see particles in it, do not use it.

Put used syringes in a puncture-resistant, disposable container, or dispose of them as directed by your doctor.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection dosage form:
    • For prevention of deep venous thrombosis (leg clots) after hip replacement surgery:
      • Adults—15 milligrams (mg) injected under the skin every 12 hours. The dose is 1.7 to 5 mg every 12 hours if you have a poorly performing kidney.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the unopened vials or prefilled syringes at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may also store the mixed solution at room temperature and may be used up to 24 hours. Throw away any unused medicine after 24 hours.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.