Novastan® (argatroban)

Novastan is a reversible direct thrombin inhibitor indicated for anticoagulation in adult patients who have developed HIT type II. The onset of Novastan is rapid and the effect can be easily monitored using APTT. Novastan can be given also to patients with all degrees of impaired kidney function, without changing the initial dose. There is no cross reaction with HIT antibodies. Novastan is not immunogenic and the risk of anaphylaxis is low (1).
 

Biovitrum distributes Novastan in the Nordic region following an agreement with Mitsubishi Pharma Europe.

Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT type II)

HIT - heparin induced thrombocytopenia type II - is an uncommon but severe complication in treatment with heparins (unfractionated as well as low molecular weight heparin). This condition is a thromboembolic complication, which ca be fatal. HIT is a result of an immunological reaction induced by heparins, leading to thrombocytopenia, activation of thrombocytes with clotting and a risk of arterial and/or venous thrombosis. The paradox is that the antithrombotic drug use suddenly increases the risk of thromboses and causes platelet-drop due to an immunologic mechanism.

When treatment with heparins goes wrong

HIT type II slide kit

Ref 1: Novastan® (argatroban) - summary of product characteristics