Dalteparin Injection

What is this medication?

DALTEPARIN (dal te PA 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): Fragmin

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
• Having surgery
• High blood pressure
• History of stomach bleeding
• History of stroke
• Infection of the heart or heart valves
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low blood counts, like white cells, platelets, or red blood cells
• An unusual or allergic reaction to dalteparin, heparin, pork or pork products, latex, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection under the skin. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Use exactly as directed. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice. Stopping this medication may increase your risk of a blot clot. Be sure to refill your prescription before you run out of medication.

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 as young as 1 month 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, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots
• Dipyridamole
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

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?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. It is important not to miss any appointments.

If you are going to have surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.

Using this medication for a long time may weaken your bones and increase the risk of bone fractures.

Avoid sports and activities that might cause injury while you are using 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.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medication and dosage times.

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 the skin, unusual bruising or bleeding

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

• Pain, redness, or irritation at the 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.

Store at controlled room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

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.