Drugs & Vitamins

Heparin Injection Active Ingredients: Heparin Injection Available Product Images: What is heparin injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with heparin? What side effects might I notice from receiving heparin? What should I watch for while taking heparin? Where can I keep my medicine? What is heparin injection? (Back to top) Heparin is an anticoagulant, sometimes called a blood thinner. However, heparin does not thin the blood or dissolve clots that have already formed. Instead, heparin prevents clot formation and stops clots from getting bigger. Heparin helps to treat or prevent clots in the veins, arteries, lungs, or the heart, and to prevent clotting during open-heart surgery, dialysis, or in very sick patients who stay in bed. Generic heparin injections are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •aneurysm •bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia •bowel disease, or diverticulitis •endocarditis •liver disease •recent surgery or delivery of a baby •stomach ulcers •an unusual or allergic reaction to heparin, benzyl alcohol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Heparin is given by injection or infusion into a vein by a health-care professional in a hospital. Heparin also can be given by injection of small amounts under the skin in the hospital, clinic, or home-care setting. If you are to give yourself injections, make sure you understand how to fill the syringe and give the injection, and how to dispose of used syringes and needles. Use disposable syringes only once, and throw away syringes and needles in a closed container. Use exactly as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, and try not to miss doses. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) Use missed doses as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose; then, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not double doses. What drug(s) may interact with heparin? (Back to top) •other drugs that treat or prevent blood clots •antiinflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin®) or naproxen (Aleve®) •aspirin •diflunisal •fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements •herbal products, such as those that contain garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, or feverfew Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects might I notice from receiving heparin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •any sign of bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, bleeding gums, nosebleeds •back or stomach pain •bleeding in the eye •cold, blue, or painful hands and feet •coughing up blood •difficulty breathing, fever, chills, or hives •heavy menstrual bleeding •skin rash or peeling Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •burning or itching on the bottoms of the feet •irritation at the injection site What should I watch for while taking heparin? (Back to top) Patients recently receiving heparin should carry an identification card containing their name, name and dose of medicine(s) being used, and name and phone number of their prescriber or health care professional or person to contact in an emergency. Notify your prescriber or health care professional at once if you have cold, blue hands or feet, or any unusual bleeding. Monitor your skin closely for easy bruising or red spots, which can indicate bleeding. If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you have received heparin. Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick while receiving heparin because you may bleed more easily. Be careful to avoid injury while you are using heparin. Report any injuries to your prescriber or health care professional. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store unopened vials at room temperature between 15—25 degrees C (59—77 degrees F); do not freeze. Do not use if solution is discolored or particulate matter is present. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Store needles and syringes out of the reach of children. Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your prescriber or health care professional for proper disposal. Last Updated:06/28/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.