Heparin Injection

What is this medication?

HEPARIN INJECTION (HEP a rin) prevents and treats blood clots. It belongs to a group of medications called blood thinners.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Hep-Lock, Hep-Lock U/P, Hepflush-10, Monoject Prefill Advanced Heparin Lock Flush, SASH Normal Saline and Heparin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or low blood platelets
• Bowel disease or diverticulitis
• Endocarditis
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Recent surgery
• Stomach ulcers
• An unusual or allergic reaction to heparin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or recently pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein or under the skin. It is usually given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses or stopping this medication can increase your risk of a blood clot. Keep taking this medication unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Defibrotide
• Mifepristone
• Oritavancin
• Protamine
• Telavancin

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Other medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin or enoxaparin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

In rare cases, the body's immune system may cause platelets to clump together in response to heparin. This causes a blood clot. It can happen weeks after stopping heparin. Talk to your care team right away if you have pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

Avoid sports and activities that may cause injury while you are taking this medication. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your care team.

If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.

Tell your dentist and dental surgeon that you are taking this medication.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of it safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.