Safely Buy Heparin Sodium ( Heparin Sodium, Porcine ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Heparin sodium is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent and treat blood clots. It is administered either subcutaneously or intravenously and works by inhibiting the activity of certain blood-clotting proteins, particularly thrombin and factor Xa.

Heparin sodium is commonly used in the prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and arterial thromboembolism.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using heparin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a vein or under the skin as directed by your doctor. Do not inject this medication into a muscle. The dosage and how often you use it are based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

Heparin comes in much strength. Serious (sometimes fatal) injuries have occurred when the wrong strength was used. Check that you are using the correct strength and dose before injecting this medication.

If you are injecting heparin into a vein, flush the catheter/line with normal saline before and after infusing drugs that interact with heparin such as doxorubicin, droperidol, ciprofloxacin, and mitoxantrone.

If you are injecting heparin under the skin, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Your doctor may direct you to switch to an anticoagulant taken by mouth (such as warfarin). Use this medication and any new medication exactly as directed by your doctor.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to heparin: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, itching, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feeling like you might pass out.

Heparin may cause you to bleed more easily, which can be severe or life-threatening. You may also have bleeding on the inside of your body. Seek emergency medical attention if you have:

• Skin warmth or discoloration
• Chest pain, irregular heartbeats
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, anxiety, sweating
• Any unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe pain or swelling in your stomach, lower back, or groin
• Dark or blue-colored skin on your hands or feet
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Unusual tiredness
• Any bleeding that will not stop
• Nosebleed, blood in your urine or stools, black or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Heparin can cause you to have bleeding episodes while you are using it and for several weeks after you stop.

Bleeding may be more likely in older adults, especially women over 60 years of age

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• Skin changes where the medicine was injected
• Fever, chills, runny nose, or watery eyes
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin
• Signs of a blood clot – sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, swelling or redness in an arm or leg

Common heparin side effects may include:

• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Allergic reactions
• Abnormal liver function tests

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

Before using heparin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to pork products; pentosan polysulfate sodium; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as benzyl alcohol found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding/blood problems (such as low platelet count, hemophilia), high blood pressure (hypertension), heart problems (such as infection of the heart, heart attack), recent surgery/procedure, cancer, stomach/intestinal ulcers or tube drainage, liver disease, high level of potassium in the blood.

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine will increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Limit alcoholic beverages. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how much alcohol you may safely drink.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have a condition that could worsen if you have more salt (such as congestive heart failure).

Older adults, women over 60 years of age, may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication does not pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

Heparin sodium is available in the following form and strengths:

• Heparin sodium, Porcine Vial:
  • 100 iu/ml

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Overdose symptoms may include easy bruising, nosebleeds; blood in your urine or stools, black or tarry stools, or any bleeding that will not stop.

What should I avoid while using heparin injection?

Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Using an NSAID with heparin may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Resources:

1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/017029s140lbl.pdf
2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3918/heparin-porcine-injection/details
3. https://www.drugs.com/heparin.html#side-effects