Drugs & Vitamins

Xigris Active Ingredients: Drotrecogin alfa Representative Names: Xigris What is drotrecogin alfa injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with drotrecogin alfa? What side effects might I notice from receiving drotrecogin alfa? What should I watch for while taking drotrecogin alfa? Where can I keep my medicine? What is drotrecogin alfa injection? (Back to top) DROTRECOGIN ALFA (Xigris™) is used to treat sepsis, a serious reaction to an infection. Sepsis is a condition where the body's response to an infection causes damage to other organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys. Drotrecogin alfa is a man-made product that is similar to a natural substance found in your body called activated protein C. It acts to bring the sepsis reaction under control. Generic drotrecogin injections are not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •bleeding disorders, hemorrhage, or hemophilia •blood disease or low blood counts •liver disease •ulcer in the stomach or intestine, diverticulitis, or other bowel disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to drotrecogin alfa, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Drotrecogin alfa is given as an infusion into the vein. It is usually given in an intensive care unit at a hospital. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with drotrecogin alfa? (Back to top) Notify your precriber of any medicine you are taking that may make you bleed or bruise more easily. These medicines include, but are not limited to: •anagrelide •anti-inflammatory medicines used for pain such as ibuprofen (Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®), and others •ardeparin •argatroban •aspirin •bivalirudin •cilostazol •clopidogrel •dalteparin •danaparoid •dipyridamole •enoxaparin •heparin •lepirudin •pentosan •pentoxifylline •ticlopidine •tinzaparin •warfarin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects might I notice from receiving drotrecogin alfa? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •signs and symptoms of bleeding such as back or stomach pain, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, or coughing up blood, bleeding gums, red spots on the skin, nosebleeds What should I watch for while taking drotrecogin alfa? (Back to top) Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving drotrecogin alfa. Bleeding is the most common adverse reaction. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. Drotrecogin alfa is only administered in a hospital such as in an intensive care unit. Last Updated:11/28/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.