HEPARIN, INJECTION

CARDIAC DRUGS > HEPARIN, INJECTION

Used For	Used For Used to thin the blood, Heparin prevents blood clots from forming in the veins and reaching the lungs, prevents blood-clotting complications of surgery, and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Do’s and Dont’s	Do’s This medicine is usually given as injections. If you are giving yourself injections at home, be sure you know how to do it. Be sure to use the right amount of medicine at the right time. Keep a record of where and when you had each dose. Dont’s Do not miss doses. Do not take double doses.
Caution	To check you blood clotting time, your doctor will want to see you regularly. While you are using this medicine, do not take medicines that interact with this medicine. Ask your doctor what medicines, non-prescription products included, you can take. Tell any doctors or dentists who treat you that you are receiving this medicine. Females of childbearing age: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This medicine is not present in breast milk.
Likely Side Effects Your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some of them may be very serious. Some side effects may disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that persist or get worse.	Serious Side Effects (report to your doctor right away): Bleeding, coughing up blood, stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, vomiting blood or a dark substance resembling coffee grounds, blood in your urine. Other Side Effects: Bleeding gums, nosebleed, heavy menstrual bleeding, and heavy bleeding from a cut.
Likely Drug Interactions When you take this medicine with other medicines, the ways in which the medicines work can change. Consult your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:	Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Avil), fexofenadine (Allegra) Digoxin (Lanoxin) nicotine in products such as Nicorette, Nicoderm, Nicotrol, Habitrol, ProStep, and Nicoderm-CQ Tetracyclines such as tetracycline hydrochloride (Achromycin, Sumycin), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx), minocycline (Minocin), and oxytetracycline (Terramycin). You may bleed more when you take any of the following medicines while you are receiving shots of heparin Dipyridamole (Persantine) Pain relievers - Brufen, Voveran Indomethacin (Indocin) Penicillin in high doses Ticlopidine (Ticlid).

Make it a point to tell all doctors treating you about all the medicines you are taking, including non-prescription products, vitamins, and natural remedies.