Heparin Sodium (Porcine) Solution for inject... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Heparin Sodium (Porcine) Solution for injection

Brand name(s):

Dextrose-Heparin Sodium, Hep-Lock, Hep-Pak, Hep-Pak CVC, Heparin Lock Flush, Heparin Sodium, Heparin Sodium-Sodium Chloride, Lok-Pak-N

What is this medicine?

HEPARIN (HEP a rin) is an anticoagulant. It is used to treat or prevent clots in the veins, arteries, lungs, or heart. It stops clots from forming or getting bigger. This medicine prevents clotting during open-heart surgery, dialysis, or in patients who are confined to bed.

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, such as hemophilia or low blood platelets
• bowel disease or diverticulitis
• endocarditis
• high blood pressure
• liver disease
• recent surgery or delivery of a baby
• stomach ulcers
• an unusual or allergic reaction to heparin, benzyl alcohol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is given by injection or infusion into a vein. It can also be given by injection of small amounts 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 it 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. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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

What may interact with this medicine?

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

• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• mifepristone
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
• protamine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• dextran
• digoxin
• hydroxychloroquine
• medicines for treating colds or allergies
• nicotine
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• phenylbutazone
• tetracycline antibiotics

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.