ReoPro (abciximab) has been approved as an adjunctive therapy to prevent cardiac ischemic complications (PCI), as well as in unstable angina patients not responding to conventional medical therapy when PCI is planned within 24 hours.

Previously, ReoPro was indicated solely for use in angioplasty patients at high risk for complications and was administered as a bolus 10-60 minutes before the procedure followed by a 12-hour continuous infusion. The expanded labeling allows physicians to use ReoPro in a broader population of patients undergoing PCI (balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, stent placement). In addition, in patients with refractory unstable angina, ReoPro can now be administered 18 to 24 hours before PCI, concluding one hour after the procedure.

Results from a large multisite clinical trial show that bleeding, the most common side effect associated with ReoPro therapy can be reduced by the use of modified dosing regimens and specific patient management techniques.