Examples

How It Works

These medicines prevent the formation of blood clots.

Why It Is Used

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are typically used along with angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy procedures. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors help prevent reclosure of the blood vessel (restenosis) after these procedures. These medicines are often used along with aspirin and heparin.

How Well It Works

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors may reduce the chance of a heart attack when used after angioplasty with stenting and in people who have unstable angina. Although these medicines appear to be useful when given immediately after angioplasty and stenting, long-term use has not proved beneficial.

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors may lower the risk of death in people who have angioplasty after a heart attack.¹

Side Effects

Some side effects of these medicines may include:

• Increased bleeding (hemorrhage) in the brain, stomach, intestines, or other internal organs.
• Increased bruising.
• Stomach irritation.
• Allergic reaction.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are only used in the hospital, such as before or after an angioplasty.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

1. De Luca G, et al. (2005). Abciximab as adjunctive therapy to reperfusion in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis of randomized trials. JAMA, 293(14): 1759–1765.