What is Amicar (Aminocaproic Acid)?
Aminocaproic acid is a man-made form of a protein that occurs naturally in the body and helps the blood clot.
Aminocaproic acid is used to treat bleeding episodes in people with certain medical conditions or conditions such as aplastic anemia (lack of blood cells and platelets), cirrhosis of the liver, placenta abruptio (early separation of the placenta in pregnancy), urinary bleeding, and certain types of cancer. Aminocaproic acid is also used to prevent bleeding after heart surgery or placement of a shunt near the liver to control high blood pressure
Aminocaproic acid may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Amicar (Aminocaproic Acid)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it. Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have other conditions that would prevent you from safely using aminocaproic acid.
Before you use aminocaproic acid, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or a history of stroke or blood clot.
You will need regular blood tests to be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you also use any clotting medications such as factor IX complex or anti-inhibitor coagulant complex (Autoplex, Feiba VH).
Stop taking aminocaproic acid and call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as sudden numbness or weakness, pain or swelling in your legs, sudden cough, feeling short of breath, muscle tenderness or weakness with flu symptoms and dark colored urine, swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all, sudden headache or confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance.
Do not give this medication to a child.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Amicar (Aminocaproic Acid)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it. Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have other conditions that would prevent you from safely using aminocaproic acid.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
- kidney disease; or
- a history of stroke or blood clots
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether aminocaproic acid is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether aminocaproic acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child.
Amicar Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Amicar (Aminocaproic Acid)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance
- sudden cough, rapid breathing, fast heart rate
- pain or swelling in one or both legs
- muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine
- urinating less than usual or not at all
- drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
- swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath
- slow heart rate, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out
- numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; or
- confusion, hallucinations
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild muscle pain or weakness
- headache, tired feeling
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea
- (in men) decreased amount of semen when having an orgasm
- stuffy nose, watery eyes
- vision problems, ringing in your ears; or
- mild skin rash
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Amicar Interactions
What other drugs affect Amicar (Aminocaproic Acid)?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
- factor IX complex(Bebulin VH, Konyne 80, Profilnine SD, Proplex T); or
- anti-inhibitor coagulant complex (Autoplex, Feiba VH)
There may be other drugs that can interact with aminocaproic acid. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Amicar (Aminocaproic Acid)?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Amicar Dosage
How should I take Amicar (Aminocaproic Acid)?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Start using the medication at the first sign of a bleeding episode. Your first dose may be much higher than the doses you use later on. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Treatment with aminocaproic acid is usually continued hourly for 8 hours or until the bleeding has stopped.
Aminocaproic acid is either taken by mouth or given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein.
You may need to first use the injection form and then use an oral form (tablet or liquid). Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider may show you how to give an injection at home. Do not self-inject aminocaproic acid if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.
Take the aminocaproic acid tablets with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Measure the oral syrup with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
The injectable form of aminocaproic acid must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.
Do not use the aminocaproic acid injection if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood cells and kidney function may need to be tested on a regular basis. Aminocaproic acid can have long-lasting effects on your body. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor for blood or urine tests.
Store this medication at cool room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
What happens if I overdose on Amicar (Aminocaproic Acid)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include urinating less than usual, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What happens if I miss a dose of Amicar (Aminocaproic Acid)?
Since aminocaproic acid is used only when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com