The U.S. FDA-approved Argatroban as an anticoagulant for treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) on June 30, 2000.  HIT is a rare but serious condition that can occur after exposure to heparin, a common blood thinner. 

Argatroban is used in the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).  It works by binding to the active site of thrombin, an enzyme that is essential for blood clot formation. This prevents thrombin from activating other clotting factors and forming clots.

Argatroban will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in a vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

The most common side effects of Argatroban are anemia, blood clotting, purpura bleeding (numerous small bleeding in the skin and mucus membranes), and nausea. Serious side effects while taking Argatroban are bleeding or bruising, blood in urine or stools, vomiting or coughing up blood, black stools, difficulty in breathing, cold sweaty skin, dry mouth, or dilated pupils with a weak and rapid pulse. 

Argatroban should not be consumed if you are allergic to Argatroban or any of its ingredients in the medication. Avoid taking this medicine if you have uncontrolled bleeding or severely impaired liver function. Notify your doctor if you have an increased risk of bleeding and recently had injections or infusions of other anticoagulants such as heparin. This medicine is not advised to use in children under 18 years old. Do not consume alcohol and avoid driving.  

Before taking the medicine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding. Notify your doctor if you have or have had a history of any disease. Argatroban should be used cautiously in patients with liver conditions. Your doctor will adjust the dose if needed. Contact your doctor for more information. 

Patients with liver conditions should take Argatroban cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. If you have HIT type II, there is a higher chance of developing dangerous blood clots in your body that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, breathing difficulties, and issues with blood flow in your limbs. This medicine can help prevent these problems from occurring or getting worse.

Do not breastfeed while taking Argatroban unless your doctor advises. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information.

1. Central Pharma (Contract Packing) Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on March 2021] [Accessed on 13th July 2023], Novastan Multidos conc f sol f inf ENG (medicines.org.uk)
2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Drugs affecting Coagulation, bleeding and Thrombosis, 7th edition, 2013, 620.
3. GlaxoSmithKline, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Accessed on 13th April 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/020883s014lbl.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.