Drotrecogin Alfa and Heparin: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Heparin
No brand names on recordDrotrecogin Alfa
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Increased risk of bleeding
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of drotrecogin alfa with other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as heparin, may increase the risk of bleeding due to additive anticoagulation. However, no drotrecogin alfa dosage adjustment is necessary when coadministered with heparin using the prophylactic doses for venous thromboembolism1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Additive anticoagulation
Common questions
Can I take Drotrecogin Alfa and Heparin together?
Increased risk of bleeding Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Drotrecogin Alfa and Heparin interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Drotrecogin Alfa or Heparin need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: Xigris(R) IV injection powder for solution, drotrecogin alfa IV injection powder for solution. Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, 2008.
Keep reading about Heparin
Keep reading about Drotrecogin Alfa
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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