Desirudin should be used with caution in conditions with increased risks of haemorrhage such as major surgery, biopsy or puncture of a non-compressible vessel within the last month; a history of haemorrhagic stroke, intracranial or intraocular bleeding including diabetic (haemorrhagic) retinopathy; a cerebral ischaemic attack within the last 6 months, a known haemostatic disorder (congenital or acquired, e. g. haemophilia, liver disease) or a history of gastrointestinal or pulmonary bleeding within the past 3 months.