Peptide library / Heart & blood / Desirudin
Desirudin
A recombinant version of hirudin, a leech protein, used to prevent clots after hip surgery.
Effects studied or claimed
What it is used or promoted for, and where each effect has actually been seen
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis after hip replacementFDA approved
How it is thought to work
Desirudin directly and irreversibly binds thrombin to block clotting.
What the evidence shows
Trials found lower clot rates than enoxaparin after hip replacement.
Safety and unknowns
Bleeding is the main risk, and spinal hematoma is a boxed warning.
Regulatory status
FDA-approved as Iprivask in 2003. Availability is limited today.
Regulatory status changes quickly. This entry was last reviewed on 27 October 2026. Confirm current status with the FDA before relying on it.
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General information, not medical advice. Do not buy or inject unregulated peptides.