How does bivalirudin (Angiomax) work?

Bivalirudin (Angiomax) is a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), which is a type of anticoagulant. Thrombin is a protein that helps your blood to clot. By blocking this protein, bivalirudin (Angiomax) helps stop [blood clots](https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-clots) from forming in your body. This allows blood to flow more easily through your arteries and veins.

How much bivalirudin (Angiomax) will I receive?

The [dose](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=e082d38c-3efa-4a63-8b22-20d389e78ca3&type=display#section-2.1) of bivalirudin (Angiomax) varies from one person to another. This is because the dose is based on your weight, whether you have kidney problems, and [certain lab values](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28052306/), like activated partial thromboplastin time ([aPTT](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/partial-thromboplastin-time-ptt-test/)) or activated clotting time ([ACT](https://academic.oup.com/jalm/article/2/3/356/5587481)). aPTT and ACT are blood tests that measure how long it takes your blood to clot. Hospitals typically have a specific bivalirudin (Angiomax) protocol or program in place that outlines how to monitor and change the dose of the medication based on your aPTT or ACT level so it works well and is as safe for you as possible.

What are the side effects of bivalirudin (Angiomax)?

Since bivalirudin (Angiomax) is a blood thinner, the most common side effect is bleeding. While you're in the hospital, your provider will monitor you closely for signs of bleeding while you're receiving bivalirudin (Angiomax). [Other side effects](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4708951/#s3title) include nausea, vomiting, changes in blood pressure, slow heart rate, and pain at the injection site.

bivalirudin

Q: What is bivalirudin (Angiomax) used for?

Bivalirudin (Angiomax) is used to stop blood clots from forming. It's typically used in the hospital for adults undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a procedure that opens up clogged blood vessels in the heart, and can't receive heparin because they have a problem called [heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.106.632653).

Q: How is bivalirudin (Angiomax) given?

Bivalirudin (Angiomax) is given as an injection through the veins (IV) that runs continuously. This is done by a trained healthcare provider.

Generic Angiomax

Used for Angina, Heart Attack

Bivalirudin (Angiomax) is an anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication that's given as a continuous infusion through the veins. It's typically only used in the hospital for adults who are getting percutaneous coronary intervention (a procedure to open clogged blood vessels) and who can't receive heparin.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 7, 2022

What is Bivalirudin (Angiomax)?

Drug facts

Common BrandsAngiomax

Drug ClassAnticoagulant

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Common questions about Bivalirudin

Bivalirudin is used to stop blood clots from forming. It's typically used in the hospital for adults undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a procedure that opens up clogged blood vessels in the heart, and can't receive heparin because they have a problem called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Bivalirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), which is a type of anticoagulant. Thrombin is a protein that helps your blood to clot. By blocking this protein, Bivalirudin helps stop blood clots from forming in your body. This allows blood to flow more easily through your arteries and veins.

Bivalirudin is given as an injection through the veins (IV) that runs continuously. This is done by a trained healthcare provider.

The dose of Bivalirudin varies from one person to another. This is because the dose is based on your weight, whether you have kidney problems, and certain lab values, like activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or activated clotting time (ACT). aPTT and ACT are blood tests that measure how long it takes your blood to clot. Hospitals typically have a specific Bivalirudin protocol or program in place that outlines how to monitor and change the dose of the medication based on your aPTT or ACT level so it works well and is as safe for you as possible.

Since Bivalirudin is a blood thinner, the most common side effect is bleeding. While you're in the hospital, your provider will monitor you closely for signs of bleeding while you're receiving Bivalirudin. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, changes in blood pressure, slow heart rate, and pain at the injection site.