Warnings & Recalls for Heparin
Pregnancy and Heparin
The FDA has listed Heparin as a
pregnancy Category C medication. It has not been determined if Heparin is safe to use during pregnancy or if it may cause harm to the fetus if taken during pregnancy. Heparin may harm a breastfeeding baby. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using heparin before taking it as an anticoagulant.
General Warnings
Do not use heparin if you are allergic to any ingredient in the medicine, if you have untreated and uncontrolled bleeding or if you have a dangerously low amount of platelets in your blood. Notify your doctor about any health conditions you may have, including:
- any allergies
- liver disease
- bleeding problems or disorders which may affect the clotting of blood
- gastrointestinal problems
- bacterial endocarditis (a condition in which the lining of your heart becomes infected)
Let your doctor know about your menstrual cycle and if you are on your menstrual period. Heparin will increase your risk of bleeding and may make you susceptible to more severe bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from uncontrollable bleeding. Symptoms and side effects may persist months after ending your use of heparin.
Heparin Interactions
Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking. Avoid the use of
NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) while taking heparin. Heparin may
interact with other medications such as:
- anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- treatments for congestive heart failure such as digoxin
- dipyridamole
- treatments for malaria
- products containing nicotine or nitroglycerin
- antibiotics
- salicylate medications including aspirin, treatments for aching of the back or joints, Pepto-Bismol, cramp treatments
- drugs which may induce sleepiness such as medicines for colds or allergies
Heparin Treatment and Use
Heparin | Heparin Sodium ADD-Vantage is a generic anticoagulant (commonly known as a blood thinner) prescribed to prevent blood clots. Heparin effectively reduces the risk of blood clotting in the veins, arteries and lungs. Heparin may be given to patients to treat the following:
- pulmonary embolism
- myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- angina pectoris (chest pain)
- deep vein thrombosis
Heparin may be used prior to surgery to avoid blood clotting.
How Does Heparin Work?
Heparin works by decreasing the ability for blood to form clots in the bloodstream. This results in preventing coagulation of blood.
How to Use Heparin
Heparin is given as an injection to be administered intravenously (IV) or under the skin. Doses of heparin depend on the patients health condition and treatment type. The injection may be given in a hospital or clinic setting, or you may be asked to use the medication at home. Be sure you understand all instructions before self-injecting. Do not inject heparin if the solution contains particles in it or has changed appearance in color.
Take heparin only as prescribed by your doctor.
