Dalteparin Sodium (Porcine) Solution for inj... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Dalteparin Sodium (Porcine) Solution for injection

Brand name(s):

Fragmin

What is this medicine?

DALTEPARIN (dal te PA rin) is used in combination with aspirin to prevent complications caused by unstable angina or heart attack. This medicine may be given to prevent blood clots in patients having a hip-replacement or abdominal surgery. It may also be used during the first few days after any surgery when patients are not able to walk. This is when blood clots are most likely to form.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders, hemorrhage, or hemophilia
• brain tumor or aneurysm
• high blood pressure
• infection of the heart or heart valves
• kidney or liver disease
• previous stroke
• recent injury, surgery, or delivery of baby
• ulcer in the stomach or intestine, diverticulitis, or other bowel disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dalteparin, heparin, pork or pork products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• agents that dissolve blood clots, like heparin
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines (unless being used for angina or heart attack)
• blood thinners such as warfarin
• mifepristone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• abciximab
• eptifibatide
• lamifiban
• other medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots
• tirofiban

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.