Thrombin (On the skin)

Thrombin (THROM-bin)

Helps control minor bleeding during surgery.

Brand Name(s):

Recothrom, Thrombin-JMI

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to thrombin, other human blood products, or hamster proteins, or if you are actively bleeding or have known or suspected bovine thrombin or factor V antibodies.

How to Use This Medicine:

Powder for Solution, Liquid

  • This medicine is applied only to your skin or incision during surgery.
  • This medicine should not be given as an injection.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an allergic reaction to any bovine (including ox or cow) products, bleeding problems, or blood clotting problems.
  • This medicine may increase your risk of blood clots.
  • This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them, although the risk is low. Human donors and donated blood are both tested for viruses to keep the transmission risk low. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this risk.
  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat or pulse
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg
  • Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Burning, redness, swelling, itching, or skin rash where the medicine is applied
  • Fever

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024

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