Defibrotide Injection

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Defibrotide injection is used to treat adults and children with hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD; blocked blood vessels inside the liver, also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome), who have kidney or lung problems after receiving a hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT; procedure in which certain blood cells are removed from the body and then returned to the body). Defibrotide injection is in a class of medications called antithrombotic agents. It works by preventing the formation of blood clots.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Defibrotide injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) over 2 hours by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually injected once every 6 hours for 21 days, but may be given for up to 60 days. The length of treatment depends on how well your body responds to the medication and the side effects that you may experience.

Your doctor may need to delay or stop your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with defibrotide.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving defibrotide injection,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to defibrotide, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in defibrotide injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• some medications should not be taken with defibrotide injection. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with defibrotide injection. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before receiving defibrotide injection with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while receiving defibrotide injection, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.t
• tell your doctor if you are bleeding anywhere on your body or if you have bleeding problems.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving, call your doctor. Do not breastfeed while receiving defibrotide injection.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Defibrotide injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• nausea
• nose bleeding

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• blood in urine or stool
• headache
• confusion
• slurred speech
• vision changes
• fever, cough, or other signs of infection

Defibrotide injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to defibrotide injection.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about defibrotide injection.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: June 15, 2016.