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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

TINZAPARIN - INJECTION

(tin-ZAP-uh-rin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Innohep

WARNING: Tell your doctor if you use/have used tinzaparin before having any procedures involving puncture of the spine or needles left in the spine to give pain-blocking medication (including lumbar punctures, indwelling spinal/epidural catheters). Also, before starting tinzaparin, tell your doctor if you have had any of these procedures. Using this medication before/after these procedures has rarely caused severe bruising/bleeding in the area of the spine (epidural/spinal hematoma). This effect may cause paralysis that may be permanent. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: back pain, tingling, weakness, numbness, or difficulty urinating. (See also Precautions section.)

This risk is increased the longer the needles are left in the spine or the more often these spinal puncture procedures are done. Using other "blood-thinning" or anti-platelet medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, also increases the risk. Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication.

USES: Tinzaparin is used to treat serious blood clots, usually in the legs. Tinzaparin may also be used to treat blood clots in the lungs. It is usually used with another "blood thinner" medication (warfarin). If untreated, blood clots can travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, causing serious (possibly fatal) breathing problems, heart attack, or stroke.

Tinzaparin is known as a "blood thinner" (anticoagulant). It is a type of heparin called low-molecular-weight heparin. It works by blocking certain natural substances in the blood that cause clotting.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to prevent blood clots (e.g., after certain surgeries with an increased risk of blood clots such as knee or hip replacement).

HOW TO USE: Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of the information is unclear or you have questions.

Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to avoid problem areas under the skin.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix any other medication in the same injection.

You should be lying down or sitting when you get the injection. Inject this medication under the skin of the stomach/abdomen, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not inject into a muscle or a vein. To lower the risk of bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot.

When treating a blood clot, another "blood thinner" (warfarin) is usually started 1 to 3 days after you start using tinzaparin. Your doctor will direct you to use both of these medications until the warfarin is working well. Do not stop either of these medications until your doctor directs you to stop.

To prevent blood clots due to surgery, your doctor may direct you to start using this medication before or after surgery and continue for several days. Follow your doctor's directions closely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.