Defibrotide injection is used to treat adults and children with hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD; blocked blood vessels inside the liver, also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome), who have kidney or lung problems after receiving a hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT; procedure in which certain blood cells are removed from the body and then returned to the body). Defibrotide injection is in a class of medications called antithrombotic agents. It works by preventing the formation of blood clots.
Defibrotide injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) over 2 hours by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually injected once every 6 hours for 21 days, but may be given for up to 60 days. The length of treatment depends on how well your body responds to the medication and the side effects that you may experience.
Your doctor may need to delay or stop your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with defibrotide.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before receiving defibrotide injection,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Defibrotide injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Defibrotide injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to defibrotide injection.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about defibrotide injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.