dalteparin Health Article

Generic name(s):

dalteparin

Brand name(s):

Fragmin

What is the most important information I should know about dalteparin?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to dalteparin or pork products, or if you have uncontrolled bleeding, a severe lack of platelets in your blood, or if you are having surgery with spinal or epidural anesthesia.

Before you receive dalteparin, tell your doctor if you have eye problems caused by diabetes or high blood pressure, an infection of your heart, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, stomach or intestinal bleeding, liver disease, or if you have ever had a blood cell problem caused by heparin.

Avoid taking aspirin while you are receiving dalteparin, unless your doctor recommends it as part of your treatment. Aspirin can increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, especially blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs (such as Advil, Motrin Aleve, Orudis), or other medications used to treat or prevent blood clots. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using dalteparin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

What is dalteparin?

Dalteparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots.

Dalteparin is used to treat or prevent blood clots in the veins, arteries, or lung that can be caused by cancer or certain heart conditions. Dalteparin is also used before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Dalteparin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving dalteparin?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to dalteparin, or if you have:

• uncontrolled bleeding;

• a severe lack of platelets in your blood;

• if you are having surgery with spinal or epidural anesthesia; or

• if you are allergic to pork products.

Before using dalteparin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• eye problems caused by diabetes or high blood pressure,

• 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;

• stomach or intestinal bleeding or disorder;

• kidney disease;

• liver disease; or

• if you have ever had a blood cell problem after receiving heparin.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use dalteparin.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether dalteparin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.