Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Argatroban for Injection
What is ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION used for?
ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION is used to prevent blood clots from forming in patients who have received therapy with heparin (another type of blood thinner used to treat blood clots) and developed blood clots as a result of the heparin therapy.
How does ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION work?
ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION reduces or stops the activity of thrombin, a component in the blood which is necessary for blood clotting.
What are the ingredients in ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION?
Medicinal ingredients: argatroban
Non-medicinal ingredients: D-sorbitol, dehydrated alcohol and water for injection.
ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION comes in the following dosage forms:
Concentrate, solution for intravenous injection; 250 mg/2.5 mL vial.
Do not use ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION if:
you are hypersensitive or “allergic” to the active ingredient argatroban or to any ingredient in
the formulation (see ‘What are the ingredients in ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION:’ section).
- you have active major bleeding or a bleeding disorder.
- you have a rare disease known as hereditary fructose intolerance.
The safety of argatroban has not been established in children age 18 and younger.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you are given ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have or have had a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia (a condition where blood takes a long time to clot) or ulcers (a condition in which sores and possibly bleeding occur in the stomach or intestines);
- have high blood pressure;
- have had or about to have surgery;
- are pregnant or nursing;
- have a liver disease or problems.
Other warnings you should know about:
Check-ups and testing: You will have regular visits with your healthcare professional, before, during and at the end of your treatment. They will do blood tests to check your blood.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
- Do not use ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION if you are pregnant. It may harm your unborn baby.
- Tell your healthcare professional right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during your treatment with ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION.
- Do not breastfeed while you are given ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION:
- Medications used to prevent blood clotting such as ASA, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, prasugrel, ticagrelor
- Medications used to thin the blood such as warfarin, heparin, low molecular weight heparins
- Acetaminophen (a drug taken for pain)
How to use ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION:
ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION must be administered by a healthcare professional experienced in anti-thrombotic therapy.
Concentrate Solution:
ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION is supplied as a concentrate. It should be properly diluted prior to administration. It should not be mixed with other drugs prior to dilution in an infusion.
Usual dose:
ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION is a prescription drug and must be used as directed. It is administered as an intravenous injection, which means the injection is made into a vein. ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION must NOT be given by any other route.
Overdose:
If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have been given too much ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre or Health Canada’s toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) immediately, even if there are no signs or symptoms.
Missed Dose: n/a
What are possible side effects from using ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when given ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
Along with its intended action, any medication, including ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION, may cause side effects. Most adverse events are mild and tend to diminish with continuation of therapy.
The most common side effects are:
- bleeding,
- stomach upset (nausea and vomiting),
- diarrhea,
- low blood pressure,
- difficulty breathing,
- increased heartbeat,
- dizziness,
- fever and
- chest pain.
The most serious side effect is unusual bleeding (such as hemorrhage).
The following table contains a list of side effects that may occur with ARGATROBAN FOR INJECTION.
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| VERY COMMON | |||
| Stomach pain, nausea or diarrhea | X | ||
| COMMON | |||
| Any unusual bleeding | X | ||
| Difficulty Breathing | X | ||
| Chest pain | X | ||
| Dizziness | X | ||
| Fever | X | ||
| Rapid heartbeat | X | ||
| Pain | X | ||
| Infection | X | ||
| UNKNOWN | |||
| Allergic reaction (symptoms like itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat, difficulty breathing) | X | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Storage:
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Store the vials in the original cartons at room temperature (15-25°C). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Store in carton until use. PROTECT FROM LIGHT.
Discard prepared solution if haziness, particulate matter, precipitate, discoloration or leakage is found upon inspection.
If you want more information about ARGATROBAN:
- Talk to your healthcare professional.
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes the Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada Drug Product Database website: (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug- product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website www.junopharma.com; or by calling 1-800-363-0584.
Last Revised: OCT 2, 2025
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (canada.ca/drug-device-reporting) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your healthcare professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.