Heparin Sodium Injection

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.

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.

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.

Interaction : 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.

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.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.