Generic name: heparin (injection) [ HEP-a-rin ]
Brand names: Hep-Pak (obsolete), Heparin Lock Flush (obsolete), Hep-Pak CVC (obsolete), Hep-Lock (obsolete), Heparin Sodium ADD-Vantage
Drug class:Heparins
What is heparin injection?
Heparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots.
Heparin is used to treat and prevent blood clots caused by certain medical conditions or medical procedures. It is also used before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Do not use heparin injection to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter. A separate product is available to use as catheter lock flush. Using the wrong type of heparin to flush a catheter can result in fatal bleeding.
Warnings
Do not use heparin injection to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter, or fatal bleeding could result. A separate product is available to use as catheter lock flush.
You should not use heparin if you have uncontrolled bleeding or a severe lack of platelets in your blood. Do not use this medicine if you have ever been diagnosed with “heparin-induced thrombocytopenia,” or low platelets caused by heparin or pentosan polysulfate.
Heparin increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. You will need frequent tests to measure your blood-clotting time.
Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have unusual bleeding or bruising, severe stomach or back pain, unusual tiredness, a nosebleed, blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood, or any bleeding that will not stop.
Heparin can cause you to have bleeding episodes while you are using it and for several weeks after you stop.
Certain medicines can increase your risk of bleeding while you are using heparin, such as aspi...
