What is Fragmin?
Fragmin, an anticoagulant, helps to prevent blood clots from forming. Fragmin and aspirin are used to treat certain types of angina or heart attacks. Fragmin prevents a blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis, which can cause blood clots to form in the lungs. DVTs can happen after surgery or when a person is bedridden for a long time. Fragmin can be used to treat cancer patients with venous blood clots (VTE). Fragmin can also be used to reduce the recurrence of venous embolism (VTE) among children older than one month. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Fragmin.
Warnings
Fragmin should not be used if there is active bleeding or a low platelet count in your blood. This may occur if you test positive for an antibody while taking Fragmin. Fragmin should not be used to treat angina pectoris or myocardial ischemia (heart attacks) if you have undergone epidural or neuraxial sedation. If you take Fragmin, you can develop a serious blood clot in your spinal cord if you undergo spinal anesthesia or a spinal tap. This is especially true if there are genetic defects, a previous history of spinal surgery, repeated spinal taps, or if taking other medications affects blood clotting. These include blood thinners and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) or blood thinners. This type of clot may cause permanent or long-term paralysis. If you experience symptoms such as lower back pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel function, seek emergency medical attention.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, lisinopril, aspirin, metoprolol, carvedilol, clopidogrel, and eliquis
Before you take this drug
Fragmin should not be used if:
- Active or uncontrolled bleeding
- Unstable angina;
- Non-Q-wave MI;
- An epidurdal (with the long-term plan of using Fragmin);
- If you have a history of low platelet levels in your blood when using heparin,
Fragmin can cause you to bleed easily, particularly if:
- A bleeding disorder caused by a disease or inherited
- Hemorrhagic stroke
- An infection of the heart lining (also known as bacterial endocarditis);
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Stomach or intestinal bleeding;
- Recent brain, spine, or eye surgery.
If you have a spinal tap or are given spinal anesthesia via epidural, Fragmin may cause a serious blood clot. This type of blood clot can cause permanent or long-term paralysis. It is more likely to happen if you:
- You have a spinal deformity that is genetic.
- You have suffered a spinal injury.
- If you have recently removed a spinal cath or if there is a spinal tube in place,
- You have had spinal surgery before, or you've had repeated spinal taps.
- You have recently undergone a spinal tap, or epidural anesthesia.
- You take the NSAIDs ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac (Advil), indomethacin (Aleve), meloxicam (meloxicam), or others.
- You take a blood-thinning medicine (Warfarin or Coumadin) to treat or prevent blood clots.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Fragmin will be safe for you:
- Diabetes or high blood pressure can cause eye problems.
- Severe liver or kidney disease
- Recent stomach bleeding;
- Low levels of platelets;
- High potassium levels
- If you've recently had epidural or spinal anesthesia,
Fragmin is not known to harm an unborn child. Some forms of medicine may contain a preservative, which can be harmful to an unborn baby. Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking dalteparin. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.
How to take Fragmin?
Fragmin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read all the instructions on the prescription label. Fragmin can be given daily to treat DVT and blood vessel complications. Fragmin can be used for several weeks when treating VTE. Fragmin can be injected into the skin. You may be taught how to use the medicine by a healthcare provider. Carefully read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medicine. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Only prepare an injection when you're ready to administer it. If the color of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. Your healthcare provider can show you the best place to inject Fragmin. Each time you inject, use a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice. During the injection, you should either be seated or lying down. Fragmin should not be injected into a muscle.
Fragmin should not be mixed with any other medication in the same syringe unless you have been told to by your doctor. There are two types of single-dose syringes, and their directions for use differ. Tell your dentist or surgeon if you are planning to have surgery or dental work done. You may have to temporarily stop taking dalteparin if you require anesthesia during a medical procedure. Medical tests will be required frequently. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. After you've used the Fragmin bottle (vial) for the very first time, it is possible to use this vial for up to two weeks. After 2 weeks, throw away the vial, even if it still contains medicine. Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of the reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help. An overdose may cause excessive bleeding.
What should be avoided?
Aspirin increases your risk of bleeding. Avoid any activities that could increase your risk of injury or bleeding. Take extra precautions to avoid bleeding when shaving or brushing your teeth.
Side effects of Fragmin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: back pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel function.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using Fragmin immediately and contact your doctor.
- Any bleeding that won't stop, including bleeding from needles or wounds;
- Easy bruising; purple or red pinpoints under the skin
- Vomiting blood, black stools, or coughing blood;
- Sudden weakness, headaches, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance
- Trouble breathing
Fragmin can cause a variety of side effects.
- Low platelet counts (bruising and bleeding);
- Pain, swelling, or bruising where the medicine has been injected.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice about potential side effects, speak with your physician directly. Alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including those that you stop or start using while you're being treated with Fragmin. This includes medicines to prevent or treat blood clots, such as:
- Abciximab, anagrelide, cilostazol, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, eptifibatide, ticlopidine and tirofiban;
- Alteplase, reteplase, tenecteplase, urokinase;
- Apixaban, argatroban, bivalirudin, dabigatran, desirudin, enoxaparin, fondaparinux, lepirudin, rivaroxaban, and tinzaparin;
This list is incomplete. Dalteparin may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
