Discontinue use if thrombocytopenia is confirmed. Recent (<1 yr) bleeding including history of GI or genitourinary bleeding of clinical significance; known coagulopathy, platelet disorder or history of thrombocytopenia; platelet count <150,000 cells/mm
3; history of cerebrovascular disease w/in 1 yr; major surgical procedure or severe physical trauma w/in 1 mth; recent epidural procedure; history, symptoms or findings suggestive of aortic dissection; severe uncontrolled HTN (systolic BP >180 mmHg &/or diastolic BP >110 mmHg); acute pericarditis; hemorrhagic retinopathy. Concomitant use w/ other drugs affecting hemostasis. Associated w/ minor increases in bleeding rates particularly at the site of arterial access for femoral sheath placement. Care should be taken when attempting vascular access that only the anterior wall of the femoral artery is punctured, avoiding Seldinger (through & through) technique for obtaining sheath access. Care should be taken to obtain proper hemostasis after removal of sheaths followed by close observation. Monitor platelet counts, Hb & hematocrit prior to treatment, w/in 6 hr following bolus or loading infusion & at least daily thereafter during therapy. Consider earlier monitoring of platelet count in patients who have previously received GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists. Determine aPTT before treatment & monitor anticoagulant effects of heparin. Potentially life-threatening bleeding may occur especially when heparin is administered w/ other products affecting hemostasis eg, GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists. Severe renal insufficiency (CrCl <30 mL/min). Pregnancy & lactation. Childn.