| Generic name | Defibrotide sodium |
| Brand name(s), other common name(s) | Defitelio® |
| Drug type | Antithrombotic agent |
| How the drug is given | Intravenously (IV) |
Indications and Usage
Defibrotide sodium is FDA approved for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), also known as sinusoidal obstructive syndrome, with renal or pulmonary dysfunction following hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT).
Side effects needing medical attention
The most common adverse reactions were hypotension (low blood pressure), diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and epistaxis (nose bleed).
The use of defibrotide sodium should not be used in patients being treated at the same time with anticoagulants (blood thinners) or fibrinolytic therapies (works by dissolving clots which are obstructing blood flow to the brain). Hemorrhage (a condition in which a person bleeds too much and cannot stop the flow of blood) and hypersensitivity reactions are the major potential adverse reactions.
For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.