Heparin (Heparin) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Heparin

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) »

Introduction to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Arteries have thin muscles within their walls to be able to withstand the pressure of the heart pumping blood to the far reaches of the body. Veins don't have a significant muscle lining, and there is nothing pumping blood back to the heart except physiology. Blood returns to the heart because the body's large muscles squeeze the veins as they contract in their normal activity of moving the body. The normal activities of moving the body returns the blood back to the heart.

There are two types of veins in the leg; superficial veins and deep veins. Superficial veins lie just below the skin and are easily seen on the surface. Deep veins, as their name implies, are located deep within the muscles of the leg. Blood flows from the superficial veins into the deep venous system through small perforator veins. Superficial and perforator veins have one-way valves within them that allow blood to flow only in the direc...

Read the Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) article »

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Heparin Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using heparin ?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to heparin, or if you have:

a severe lack of platelets in your blood; or
uncontrolled bleeding.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis);
uncontrolled high blood pressure;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia;
a stomach or intestinal disorder;
liver disease; or
if you are having a menstrual period.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using heparin, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Women over 60 years of age may be more likely to have bleeding episodes while using heparin.

How should I use heparin ?

Heparin is given as an injection into your skin or through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home.

Heparin must not be injected into a muscle.

Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and other items used in giving the medicine.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your stools may also need to be checked for blood. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

You may be switched from injectable heparin to an oral (taken by mouth) blood thinner. Do not stop using the heparin until your doctor tells you to. You may need to use both the injection and the oral forms of heparin for a short time.

Store heparin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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