Eptifibatide-Induced Thrombocytopenia—When Inhibitor Turns Killer

Abstract

Eptifibatide is a commonly and widely used drug for management of acute coronary syndrome and during percutaneous coronary intervention. It is usually well tolerated with no major adverse effects. We report a rare case of life-threatening thrombocytopenia secondary to eptifibatide along with a literature review of available evidence.

Eptifibatide induced thrombocytopenia

“…Eptifibatide induced thrombocytopenia was reported in multiple case reports (4,(9)(10)(11) which was treated by withholding the eptifibatide, with significant improvement of platelet count, as in our patient.…”

“…It has been reported with large molecule GPIIB/IIIA inhibitors such as Abciximab (8), but its incidence is quite rare with smaller molecules, specifically with Eptifibatide, with a risk of thrombocytopenia around (0.1 to -1%) (3,10). The data and evidence that are available suggest that Eptifibatide induced thrombocytopenia noticed to be profound within 24 hours of administration of the medication (9).…”