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Overview: DefenCath contains taurolidine, which is an antimicrobial medicine, and heparin, which is a blood thinner. DefenCath helps prevent blood infections in certain people getting long-term hemodialysis. The most common side effects with DefenCath are bleeding, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the chest muscles. DefenCath is given into a hemodialysis access site by a health care provider.

Uses

What is DefenCath used for?

DefenCath (taurolidine/heparin) is used to help prevent blood infections that can happen when you get dialysis through a central venous catheter (a tube that goes into a large vein) on a long-term basis.

DefenCath may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does DefenCath work (mechanism of action)?

DefenCath contains two medicines, taurolidine and heparin. Taurolidine is an antimicrobial medicine that works against germs, such as to keep germs from sticking to the surface of a central venous catheter used for hemodialysis. Heparin is a blood thinner, or anticoagulant. It works by blocking certain substances in the blood that form clots.

How is DefenCath supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • DefenCath

Dosage forms and strengths

DefenCath is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store DefenCath?

DefenCath is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of DefenCath?

The most common side effects of DefenCath are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Bleeding
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Pain in the chest muscles
  • Problems with the dialysis catheter

There may be other side effects of DefenCath that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of DefenCath?

While less common, the most serious side effects of DefenCath are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. DefenCath may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severely Low Platelet Levels. DefenCath can cause you to have a severely low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding and can sometimes lead to death. Sometimes, thrombocytopenia is an immune response, called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT actually increases clotting. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels or clots.

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Bleeding that does not stop
  • Nosebleeds
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Fast breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or let
  • Red or warm skin in your arm or leg

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use DefenCath?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use DefenCath.

  • Heparin
  • Taurolidine
  • Pork products
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in DefenCath.

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). DefenCath should not be used in your hemodialysis site if you have a history of HIT or if you have heparin antibodies in your blood. Tell your health care provider if you have a history of HIT.

What should I know about DefenCath before using it?

DefenCath is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

DefenCath contains a blood thinner. It may take longer than usual to stop bleeding if you get injured. You also may notice that you bruise or bleed more easily while using DefenCath. See the Side Effects section for more details.

What should I tell my health care provider before using DefenCath?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if DefenCath is right for you.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how DefenCath could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if DefenCath passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about DefenCath?

For more information about DefenCath, you can call the manufacturer at 844-424-6345.

Interactions

Does DefenCath interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between DefenCath and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect DefenCath, but both DefenCath and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does DefenCath interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

DefenCath may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much DefenCath?

If you or someone else has used too much DefenCath, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of DefenCath?

DefenCath is usually given by a health care provider in a clinic or hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving DefenCath as needed.