Assessment
Assess patient for symptoms of stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or MI periodically during therapy.
Monitor patient for signs of thrombotic thrombocytic purpura (thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, neurologic findings, renal dysfunction, fever). May rarely occur, even after short exposure (<2 wk). Requires prompt treatment.
Lab Test Considerations
Monitor bleeding time during therapy. Prolonged bleeding time, which is time- and dose-dependent, is expected.
» Monitor CBC with differential and platelet count periodically during therapy. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia may rarely occur.
» May cause ↑ serum bilirubin, hepatic enzymes, total cholesterol, nonprotein nitrogen (NPN), and uric acid concentrations.