Abciximab: A New Antiaggregant For Angioplasty

Abciximab is licensed as the Fab fragment of the chimeric human-murine monoclonal antibody 7E3. It is involved in binding to the glycoprotein (GP) Ilb/Illa receptor of the human platelets and inhibits platelet aggregation. Abciximab is also involved in binding to the vitronectin receptor typically found on the platelets and vessel wall endothelial and smooth muscle cells. This medicinal product is prescribed when you undergo an operation known as angioplasty for the following purposes: 

• Abciximab is prescribed (along with heparin and aspirin) for the prevention of the formation of blood clots in the heart while on or after an angioplasty operation. 
• Abciximab is also prescribed (along with heparin and aspirin) to reduce the short term risk of getting a heart attack prior to an angioplasty operation, which is planned to take place within the next 1-month. This is for those who have chest pain due to low blood supply to the heart (unstable angina) and have not responded to the usual therapy.

What Abciximab Does?

As an active ingredient, abciximab is a fragment of murine or human chimeric monoclonal antibody, which are specific proteins that recognize and bind to other unique proteins. Abciximab falls under the group of medications known as antithrombotics and binds to platelets in the blood in order to help prevent blood clots. 

Posology and Method of Administration

Abciximab is introduced for intravenous administration in adult patients. It should only be used in conjunction with extensive health specialist care. In addition, there must be the existence of laboratory tests of hematology function as well as facilities for administration of blood products.

The recommended dose of abciximab injection is a 0.25 mg/kg intravenous bolus promptly followed by a 0.125 µg/kg/min (to a maximum of 10 µg/min) continuous intravenous infusion.

For the stabilization of unstable angina patients, the bolus dose of abciximab followed by the infusion needs to be initiated up to 24 hours before the possible intervention and concluded 12 hours following the intervention.

In order to prevent ischemic cardiac complications in such patients who are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, and are not currently receiving a Abciximab infusion, the bolus needs to be administered 10 to 60 minutes before intervention followed by the infusion for 12 hours.

Adverse Effects due to Abciximab

The most commonly reported adverse effects due to abciximab injection are hypotension, injection site pain, chest pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, minor hemorrhage, nausea, gross hematuria, and backache.

Some rare but severe side effects due to abciximab may include anaphylaxis, major hemorrhage (cerebrovascular, pulmonary), thrombocytopenia, and non-hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident.

The administration of Abciximab is not associated with an increased risk of bleeding in patients undergoing CABG treatment.

Warnings And Precautions

Therapy with abciximab may be responsible for increasing the risk of bleeding, particularly in case you are receiving other medicines for preventing your blood from clotting (blood thinners). Cases of death because of bleeding have been noted with the administration of Abciximab. Prior to starting treatment with Abciximab discuss with your health specialist:

• In case you are taking blood-thinner or any other drugs that affect blood clotting or blood platelets. 
• In case you have previously received abciximab, since this could be linked with increased risk of reduction in blood platelets or allergic reactions (hypersensitivity). 
• In case you are pregnant or want to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. Your healthcare specialist can discuss with you the possible risks and benefits involved. 
• In case you think that you fit into any of the above-mentioned categories, it is crucial that you discuss it with your health specialist

Interactions with Abciximab

Medicines that may interact with Abciximab 10 MG /5ML include: Blood-thinners, or any other medications that are responsible for affecting blood clotting (anticoagulants) or blood platelets (‘antiplatelet drugs). It is quite necessary that you inform your health specialist if thrombolytic agents have been given to unblock your arteries. Being given Abciximab injection 10mg/5mL along with these medications may be responsible for putting you at risk of increased bleeding.

Storage and Availability

Currently, Abciximab is a prescription-only medication typically available as an intravenous (IV) solution. Vials of Abciximab should be stored at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Neither freeze nor shake the vials. Never use it beyond the date of expiry. Unused portions left in the vial should be discarded. In India, the abciximab price is absolutely reasonable. In order to procure this medicinal product at the most reasonable price range, one can directly get in touch with us through TOLL-FREE: 1800-889-1064. We're authentically established WHO-GDP and ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler/supplier/distributor, based in India. 

NOTE: Deets mentioned in this article about "Abciximab: A New Antiaggregant Used in Angioplasty" is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with health specialists.