Desirudin

Desirudin is used to prevent blood clots in the veins. It is often prescribed to patients who are undergoing hip replacement surgery to prevent blood clots from forming in the lungs during or after the surgery. By thinning the blood, it makes it less likely that the patient will die of a fatal pulmonary embolism.

Side Effects/Warnings

Patients who are undergoing spinal treatments such as spinal anesthesia or spinal puncture should not take this medication. Taking Desirudin along with these types of spinal treatments can cause spinal hematomas. These hematomas can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis.

Desirudin can cause permanent nerve damage regardless of whether the patient is under treatment for spinal problems. Patients should be monitored regularly for signs of neurological impairment and should get emergency medical help if they feel weakness, tingling or burning sensations in their arms, legs, hands or feet.