What is heparin injection?
Heparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots.
Heparin is used to treat and prevent blood clots in the veins, arteries, or lung. Heparin is also used before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Heparin injection should not be used to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter. A separate heparin product is available to use as catheter lock flush.
Heparin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about heparin injection?
Heparin injection should not be used to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter. A separate heparin product is available to use as catheter lock flush.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to heparin, or if you have uncontrolled bleeding or a severe lack of platelets in your blood.
Before using heparin, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, an infection involving your heart, hemophilia or other bleeding disorder, a stomach or intestinal disorder, liver disease, or if you are on your period.
Heparin can cause you to have bleeding episodes while you are using it and for several weeks after you stop. Call your doctor at once if you have easy bruising or unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed, black or bloody tarry stools, or any bleeding that will not stop.
Certain medicines can increase your risk of bleeding while you are using heparin, such as aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.
Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Women over 60 years of age may be more likely to have bleeding episodes while using heparin.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using heparin injection?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to heparin, or if you have:
To make sure you can safely use heparin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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 heparin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
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.