HEPARIN - INJECTION

HEPARIN - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (HEP-a-rin)

GENERIC NAME(S): heparin sodium,porcine

Uses

USES: This medication is used to prevent and treat blood clots. It may be used to prevent and treat blood clots in the lungs/legs (including in patients with atrial fibrillation). It may be used to treat certain blood clotting disorders. It may also be used to prevent blood clots after surgery, during dialysis, during blood transfusions, when collecting blood samples, or when a person is unable to move for a long time. Heparin helps to keep blood flowing smoothly by making a certain natural substance in your body (anti-clotting protein) work better. It is known as an anticoagulant.


How to use HEPARIN - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using heparin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection into a vein or under the skin as directed by your doctor. Do not inject this medication into a muscle. The dosage and how often you use it are based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Heparin comes in many strengths. Serious (sometimes fatal) injuries have occurred when the wrong strength was used. Check that you are using the correct strength and dose before injecting this medication. If you are injecting heparin into a vein, flush the catheter/line with normal saline before and after infusing drugs that interact with heparin such as doxorubicin, droperidol, ciprofloxacin, and mitoxantrone. If you are injecting heparin under the skin, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Your doctor may direct you to switch to an anticoagulant taken by mouth (such as warfarin). Use this medication and any new medication exactly as directed by your doctor.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Mild pain/redness/irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling at injection site, bone pain, easily broken bones. This medication can cause bleeding if its effect on your clotting proteins is too much. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any signs of serious bleeding, including unusual pain/swelling/discomfort, prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums, persistent nosebleeds, unusually heavy/prolonged menstrual periods, unusual/easy bruising, dark urine, black stools, severe headache, unusual dizziness. Some patients can have certain bad reactions to heparin (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia-HIT or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis-HITT). This can occur during treatment and up to several weeks after treatment with heparin has stopped. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: pain/loss of feeling in the arms/legs, change in color of the arms/legs, chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision changes. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using heparin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to pork products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as benzyl alcohol found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding/blood problems (such as low platelet count, hemophilia), high blood pressure (hypertension), heart problems (such as infection of the heart, heart attack), recent surgery/procedure, cancer, stomach/intestinal ulcers or tube drainage, liver disease. To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine will increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcoholic beverages. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how much alcohol you may safely drink. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have a condition that could worsen if you have more salt (such as congestive heart failure). Older adults, especially women over 60 years of age, may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication does not pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: mifepristone, oritavancin, telavancin. This medication is sometimes used together with other drugs that have "blood thinning" or anti-platelet effects such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin. If your doctor prescribes a combination of these drugs, he or she will monitor you closely to minimize your risk of bleeding. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments. Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) that can increase the risk of bleeding when used with heparin. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Cigarette smoking decreases blood levels of this medication. Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including certain liver function tests, prothrombin time), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: easy/unusual bruising, easy/unusual bleeding such as persistent nosebleeds, blood in urine, black stools.

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Faq for HEPARIN - INJECTION

Heparin injection is used to prevent and treat blood clots in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and during certain medical procedures.

Heparin works by preventing the formation of blood clots by inhibiting the activity of certain clotting factors in the blood.

Heparin can be injected into a vein (intravenous) or under the skin (subcutaneous). The route of administration is determined by the specific condition being treated.

Common side effects of heparin injection include bleeding, bruising, pain or irritation at the injection site, and changes in blood pressure. Rare but serious side effects can include allergic reactions and severe bleeding.

Heparin injection is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. It does not cross the placenta and does not have harmful effects on the developing fetus.

Yes, heparin injection can be used in children, but the dose must be carefully adjusted based on the child's weight and condition.

Heparin should be used with caution in people with bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, ulcers, or recent surgery. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are using.

Heparin should not be used in patients with a history of HIT, as it can cause a severe immune response leading to dangerous blood clotting or bleeding.

The frequency of heparin injection administration will depend on the specific condition being treated. It is usually given multiple times per day, either every 8 or 12 hours.

Heparin injection is commonly used to prevent and treat blood clots, especially in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and during certain surgeries.

Heparin works by inhibiting the formation and growth of blood clots. It acts as an anticoagulant by enhancing the activity of antithrombin, a natural substance in the body that inhibits blood clotting factors.

Common side effects of Heparin injection include bleeding, bruising at the injection site, and anemia. Rare but severe side effects can include allergic reactions, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and osteoporosis with long-term use.

Heparin injection is usually given as an injection or infusion into a vein. It should only be administered by a healthcare professional as per the prescribed dosage and instructions.

In certain cases, patients may be prescribed a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) version of Heparin that can be injected at home, after proper training and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Heparin may interact with other medications like aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, and certain herbal supplements. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.

Heparin is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. It does not pass into breast milk significantly, so it is safe to use while breastfeeding. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using Heparin in these situations.

The duration of Heparin treatment can vary depending on the individual's condition. It may be required for a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the clotting disorder or surgical procedure.

An overdose of Heparin can lead to excessive bleeding. If an overdose is suspected, immediate medical attention should be sought.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.