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What does it do?

Bivalirudin is used to treat and prevent clots in your blood.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney or bleeding problems.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How is it given?

Bivalirudin is given as an infusion or a slow injection into a vein.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Reduced number of blood cells that help your blood to clot - symptoms include: easy or unusual bruising or bleeding

Coughing or vomiting of blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Nose bleeds

Red or dark brown urine, red or black bowel motions

Headache, dizziness, changes in vision or speech

Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing

Tell your doctor immediately

Pain, tenderness or redness at injection site

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.


This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed