How are glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors given?
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are not available in prescription form. They are given only under the supervision of a doctor, through an intravenous injection or IV infusion during hospitalization. Who is eligible to receive this medicine? Patients with an acute coronary syndrome, such as unstable angina or certain kinds of heart attacks, are eligible to receive one of these agents. Other eligible patients include those undergoing coronary angioplasty with or without stent placement. Patients who do not have low platelet counts and who are not at high risk for severe bleeding might be good candidates for the glycoprotein inhibitors. Patients with active internal bleeding should not take glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Your doctor will consider how this medicine will likely affect you before prescribing it. Your doctor will only prescribe glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors if the benefits outweigh the risks. What are the side effects? As with any medicine, an allergic reaction might o
