Anaphylaxis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Anaphylaxis, including details on food allergies, diagnosis, treatment, causes.

Severe anaphylactic reaction after repeated intermittent exposure to lepirudin.

Veach SA, Franks AM, Allan MC

Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA.

Lepirudin, a recombinant DNA derivative of hirudin, is used to prevent thromboembolic complications caused by heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II. Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions have been reported with its use in patients both with and without known previous exposure to lepirudin. We describe the case of a 57-year-old woman who received five uneventful courses of lepirudin therapy before having a severe anaphylactic reaction during administration of the intravenous bolus dose that began her sixth course. The patient experienced cardiorespiratory arrest but recovered from the reaction. The decision to administer lepirudin to a patient who has previously received it should be reached with due consideration of the risk:benefit ratio and strategies to manage risk resulting from readministration. Risk factors for an anaphylactic reaction to lepirudin may include use of an initial bolus dose, intravenous rather than subcutaneous administration, length of any single course of therapy beyond 3 days, and repeat administration of lepirudin within 100 days.

Published 27 April 2007 in Pharmacotherapy, 27(5): 760-5.
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