uses
What is heparin used for?Heparin is commonly used for the following conditions.Prevent a blood clot that is often found in the leg, also called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or a blood clot in the lung, also called a pulmonary embolism (PE), such as after certain surgeries or in someone who is not able get up and move around due to illnessTreat a DVT or PEPrevent blood clots during surgeries involving the heart or arteries (blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the rest of the body)Prevent and treat blood clots that travel through the arteries and cause blockages in different parts of the body, which is called peripheral arterial embolismPrevent clots during blood transfusions, dialysis, or extracorporeal circulation (ECMO)Prevent and treat blood clots that happen because of atrial fibrillation, which is a type of irregular heart rhythmTreat certain types of bleeding disorders, also called coagulopathiesKeep blood clots from stopping flow through an intravenous (IV) catheter, which is a tube inserted into a vein (blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart)Heparin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does heparin work (mechanism of action)?Heparin is a blood thinner, or anticoagulant. It works by blocking certain substances in the blood that form clots.How is heparin supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesLiquaeminVascezeDosage forms and strengthsHeparin is available in an injectable form that is usually given by a health care provider.How should I store heparin?Heparin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store heparin at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel or under the skin
drug interactions
Does heparin interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between heparin and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect heparin, but both heparin and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.Does heparin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over the counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, or other supplements you are taking. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using heparin.Any other blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clotsAn antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clotsA nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as celecoxib,, ibuprofen, indomethacin, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and feverA salicylate, such as diflunisal or salsalate, which is a medicine used for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritisAspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and feverDigoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failureA tetracycline, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), sarecycline (Seysara), or tetracycline, which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditionsNicotine, which can be found in cigarettes, vapes, or products that help you stop smokingAn antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is a medicine commonly used to treat allergy symptomsHydroxychloroquine, which is a medicine used to prevent or treat malaria or certain inflammatory conditionsPotassium chloride (Klor-Con and others), which is a medicine used to raise potassium levelsAmiloride (Midamor), eplerenone (Inspra), spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir), or triamterene (Dyrenium), which is a type of diuretic, also called a water pillThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with heparin. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of heparin?The most common side effects of heparin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.BleedingBruisingIrritation or injury at the injection siteThere may be other side effects of heparin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of heparin?While less common, the most serious side effects of heparin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Heparin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using heparin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painSevere Bleeding. Heparin can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some people with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while using heparin.Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)Vomit with blood that looks like coffee groundsRed or black stools (looks like tar)Coughing up blood or blood clotsSeverely Low Platelet Levels. Heparin can cause you to have a severely low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding and can sometimes lead to death. Sometimes, thrombocytopenia is an immune response, called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT actually increases clotting. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels or clots.Easy bruising or bleedingBleeding that does not stopNosebleedsChest pain or pressureFast or abnormal heartbeatFast breathing or shortness of breathPain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or letRed or warm skin in your arm or legHigh Potassium Levels (Hyperkalemia). Heparin can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your health care provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.Muscle weakness or unusual tirednessSlow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeatsNausea or vomitingTrouble breathingAbnormal heart rhythm
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much heparin?If you or someone else has used too much heparin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of heparin?Heparin is usually given by a health care provider in a clinic or hospital. In this case, your health care provider will make sure you are receiving heparin as appropriate.If you are using heparin at home and you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use heparin?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use heparin.HeparinPork productsAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific heparin products they stock.Bleeding Problems. Do not use heparin if you have uncontrolled bleeding or if you have very low platelet levels.Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). Do not use heparin if you have a history of HIT or if you have heparin antibodies in your blood.What should I know about heparin before using it?Do not use heparin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. If you are using heparin at home, make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use it. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.Do not share heparin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep heparin out of the reach of children.People who are 60 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from heparin. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.Heparin is a blood thinner. It may take longer than usual to stop bleeding if you get injured. You also may notice that you bruise or bleed more easily while using heparin. See the Side Effects section for more details.Some forms of heparin may have a preservative called benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol should not be used in babies or people who are pregnant because it may cause problems in the baby. If you have any concerns about this, talk with your pharmacist or other health care provider.What should I tell my health care provider before using heparin?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if heparin is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.An infection in your heart (endocarditis)High blood pressure that is not well managedKidney or liver problemsRecent brain, spine, or eye surgeryProblems with your platelets or low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia)Bleeding problems, including recent ulcers in your stomach, intestines, or esophagusBlood clotting problems, such as antithrombin III deficiency or hemophiliaCancerDiabetesHigh potassium levelNicotine use (including smoking tobacco or vaping)Planned Surgery or Procedure. If you have any upcoming or planned surgeries or procedures, including at the dentist, tell all of your health care providers that you are using heparin. Heparin may increase your risk of bleeding during certain procedures. Other Medicines and Supplements. Heparin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using heparin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how heparin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use heparin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if heparin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use heparin while breastfeeding.
about
Heparin is a blood thinner that is used to prevent or treat blood clots. It may be injected under the skin or into a blood vessel. The most common side effects are irritation at the injection site and bleeding or bruising more easily. Call your health care provider right away if you have severe bleeding or bleeding that is difficult to stop.Â