Raplixa is a medication that's used to help stop mild-to-moderate bleeding in adults during surgery. It's typically used as an alternative option to common surgical methods to stop bleeding, such as [suture](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/wound-care/do-i-need-stitches) (the string used to stitch up a wound) or [cautery](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002359.htm) (a practice that burns off tissue to stop bleeding). Raplixa is a [fibrin sealant](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3960746/) that contains two important proteins that naturally help your blood clot. When this medication is used on a wound, it activates the blood-clotting process and stops bleeding.

Why was Raplixa discontinued?

The company who owns Raplixa (Mallinckrodt) voluntarily [discontinued](https://www.mallinckrodt.com/about/news-and-media/news-detail/?id=8796) the medication in 2017 for business reasons. It wasn't taken off the market for safety concerns or lack of benefit.

What other treatments can I use instead of Raplixa?

Some alternative treatments to Raplixa that can help stop bleeding during surgery are [Vivostat](https://www.vivostat.com/products/vivostat-fibrin-sealant/what-is-vivostat-fibrin-sealant), [CryoSeal](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/approved-blood-products/cryoseal-fs-system), and [Tisseel](https://www.baxter.com/healthcare-professionals/surgical-care/tisseel-fibrin-sealant). There are [many differences](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0142961205003212?via%3Dihub) between these three alternatives, and research suggests Tisseel might work the best. But, you might respond better to one medication versus another. There are also [other methods](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5663245/) to stop bleeding during surgery. Your surgeon will determine which method is best for you. Talk to your provider so you can discuss the benefits and risks of the different options.

Raplixa

fibrin sealant

Used for Hemorrhage

Raplixa is a topical medication that's used on the outside of the body. It's used along with other methods during surgery to help stop bleeding. This medication comes in the form of a dry powder and can be used together with a gelatin sponge. Raplixa has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available in the United States.

Reviewed by:

Ally Tsai, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on June 19, 2022

What is Raplixa?

What is Raplixa used for?

Stop bleeding in adults during surgery

Drug facts

Common Brands	Raplixa(brand no longer available)
Drug Class	Antihemorrhagic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Discontinued

Common Brands

Raplixa(brand no longer available)

Drug Class

Antihemorrhagic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Discontinued

Common questions about Raplixa

Raplixa is a medication that's used to help stop mild-to-moderate bleeding in adults during surgery. It's typically used as an alternative option to common surgical methods to stop bleeding, such as suture (the string used to stitch up a wound) or cautery (a practice that burns off tissue to stop bleeding). Raplixa is a fibrin sealant that contains two important proteins that naturally help your blood clot. When this medication is used on a wound, it activates the blood-clotting process and stops bleeding.

No, Raplixa has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.

The company who owns Raplixa (Mallinckrodt) voluntarily discontinued the medication in 2017 for business reasons. It wasn't taken off the market for safety concerns or lack of benefit.

Some alternative treatments to Raplixa that can help stop bleeding during surgery are Vivostat, CryoSeal, and Tisseel. There are many differences between these three alternatives, and research suggests Tisseel might work the best. But, you might respond better to one medication versus another. There are also other methods to stop bleeding during surgery. Your surgeon will determine which method is best for you. Talk to your provider so you can discuss the benefits and risks of the different options.

Raplixa

What is Raplixa?

What is Raplixa used for?

Drug facts

Common questions about Raplixa

Raplixa dosage

Typical dosage for Raplixa

Good news for your inbox

Common questions about Raplixa

What is Raplixa?

What is Raplixa used for?

Drug facts

Common questions about Raplixa

What is Raplixa?

Is Raplixa still available?

Why was Raplixa discontinued?

What other treatments can I use instead of Raplixa?

Raplixa dosage

Typical dosage for Raplixa

Common questions about Raplixa

What is Raplixa?

Is Raplixa still available?

Why was Raplixa discontinued?

What other treatments can I use instead of Raplixa?