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Heparin is not intended for intramuscular use.

Hypersensitivity

Patients with documented hypersensitivity to heparin should be given the drug only in clearly life-threatening situations (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Hypersensitivity).

Hemorrhage

Hemorrhage can occur at virtually any site in patients receiving heparin. An unexplained fall in hematocrit, fall in blood pressure or any other unexplained symptom should lead to serious consideration of a hemorrhagic event.

Heparin sodium should be used with extreme caution in infants and in patients with disease states in which there is increased danger of hemorrhage. Some of the conditions in which increased danger of hemorrhage exists are:

Cardiovascular

Subacute bacterial endocarditis, severe hypertension.

Surgical

During and immediately following (a) spinal tap or spinal anesthesia or (b) major surgery, especially involving the brain, spinal cord or eye.

Hematologic

Conditions associated with increased bleeding tendencies, such as hemophilia, throm-bocytopenia and some vascular purpuras.

Gastrointestinal

Ulcerative lesions and continuous tubedrainage of the stomach or small intestine.

Other

Menstruation, liver disease with impaired hemostasis.

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia has been reported to occur in patients receiving heparin with a reported incidence of 0 to 30%. Platelet counts should be obtained at baseline. Mild thrombocytopenia (count greater than 100,000/mm³) may remain stable or reverse even if heparin is continued. However, thrombocytopenia of any degree should be monitored closely. If the count falls below 100,000/mm³or if recurrent thrombosis develops (see Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia and Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis), the heparin product should be discontinued and, if necessary, an alternative anticoagulants administered.

Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) and Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (HITT)

Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious antibody-mediated reaction resulting from irreversible aggregation of platelets. HIT may progress to the development of venous and arterial thromboses, a condition referred to as Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (HITT). Thrombotic events may also be the initial presentation for HITT. These serious thromboembolic events include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebral vein thrombosis, limb ischemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, mesenteric thrombosis, renal arterial thrombosis, skin necrosis, gangrene of the extremities that may lead to amputation, and possibly death. Thrombocytopenia of any degree should be monitered closely. If the platelet count falls below 100,000/mm³or if recurrent thrombosis develops, the heparin product should be promptly discontinued and alternative anticoagulants considered if patients require continued anticoagulation.

Delayed Onset of HIT and HITT

Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia and Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis can occur up to several weeks after the discontinuation of heparin therapy. Patients presenting with throm-bocytopenia or thrombosis after discontinuation of heparin should be evaluated for HIT and HITT.

Use in Neonates

Preservative-Free Heparin Lock Flush Solution, USP should be used for maintaining the patency of intravenous injection devices in neonates.

General

In infants, the cumulative amounts of heparin received from the frequent administration of Heparin Lock Flush Solution, USP during a 24- hour period should be considered.

Precautions must be exercised when drugs which are incompatible with heparin are administered through an indwelling intravenous catheter containing Heparin Lock Flush Solution, USP (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Maintenance of Patency of IV Devices).

Thrombocytopenia, Heparin-induced Throm-bocytopenia (HIT) and Heparin-induced Throm-bocytopenia and Thrombosis (HITT)

See WARNINGS.

Increased Risk to Older Patients, Especially Women

A higher incidence of bleeding has been reported in patients, particulary women over 60 years of age.

Laboratory Tests

Periodic platelet counts, hematocrits and tests for occult blood in stool are recommended during the entire course of heparin use (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No long-term studies in animals have been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of heparin. Also, no reproduction studies in animals have been performed concerning mutagenesis or impairment of fertility.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with heparin sodium. It is also not known whether heparin sodium can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Heparin sodium should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nonteratogenic Effects

Heparin does not cross the placental barrier.

Nursing Mothers

Heparin is not excreted in human milk.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Not for use in neonates (see WARNINGS).

Geriatric Use

A higher incidence of bleeding has been reported in patients over 60 years of age, especially women (see PRECAUTIONS, General and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/5/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.