The Basics
What is Desirudin?
Used to prevent deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery.
Brand names for Desirudin
Iprivask
How Desirudin is classified
Anticoagulants
Desirudin During Pregnancy
Desirudin pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Desirudin while pregnant
There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Iprivask should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Iprivask was teratogenic in rats and rabbits when given in doses 0.3 to 4 times the human dose. Animal Data Teratology studies have been performed in rats at subcutaneous doses in a range of 1 to 15 mg/kg/day (about 0.3 to 4 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) and in rabbits at intravenous doses in a range of 0.6 to 6 mg/kg/day (about 0.3 to 3 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) and have revealed desirudin to be teratogenic. Observed teratogenic findings included: omphalocele, asymmetric and fused sternebrae, edema, and shortened hind limbs in rats; and spina bifida, malrotated hind limb, hydrocephaly, and gastroschisis in rabbits.
Taking Desirudin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Desirudin?
Desirudin is no longer marketed in the United States. Because no information is available on the use of desirudin during breastfeeding, an alternate drug is preferred.[1]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Desirudin is no longer marketed in the United States. Because no information is available on the use of desirudin during breastfeeding, an alternate drug is preferred.[1]
Possible effects of Desirudin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Desirudin
Acenocoumarol, Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Heparin, Warfarin.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Bates SM, Greer IA, Middeldorp S et al. VTE, thrombophilia, antithrombotic therapy, and pregnancy: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2012;141 (2 Suppl):e691S-736S. PMID: 22315276
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
