What is Heparin?
Heparin prevents blood clots from forming.Heparin is used to clean out an intravenous (IV) catheter. This helps to prevent blockage after receiving an IV infusion.Heparin should not be used for treating or preventing blood clots. An alternative heparin product can be used.Heparin may be used in other ways not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side effects of Heparin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response, you should seek emergency medical attention: nausea, vomiting, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.Heparin flushing can cause bleeding. If you experience unusual bleeding or easy bruising, such as nosebleeds, bloody or black tarry stools, or bleeding that won't stop, call your doctor immediately.
Heparin flushing may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Signs of a Stroke: sudden numbness (especially on one side), severe headache, slurred or shaky speech, or problems with vision and balance.
- Signs of a blood clot in the lungs: chest pain, sudden hack or wheezing; rapid breathing and coughing blood
- Signs of a blood clot in the leg: pain, swelling, warmth, or redness on one or both legs
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Skin changes on your hands, feet, arms, or legs;
- Extreme drowsiness or weakness in an infant.
You may experience less serious side effects or none at all.There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse reactions.
Warnings
Heparin should not be used for treating or preventing blood clots. An alternative heparin product can be used.If you have a severe platelet deficiency or uncontrolled bleeding, you should not use the heparin rinse.Heparin flushing can cause bleeding. If you experience unusual bleeding or easy bruising, such as nosebleeds, bloody or black tarry stools, or bleeding that won't stop, call your doctor immediately.Tell your doctor about all the medicines you use. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and vitamin products. Bleeding can increase if you use certain medications while using heparin.
Before you take this drug
If you have any of the following conditions, you should not use Heparin Flush:
- A severe lack of blood platelets;
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that heparin will not harm you:
- Allergies of any kind
- Endocarditis is also known as an infection.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Recent history of stroke or cancer.
- A bleeding disorder or blood clotting problem, such as hemophilia.
- A stomach or intestinal disorder.
- Congestive heart failure;
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- If you have a period,
The heparin flush is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.If you are breastfeeding a child, do not use heparin without first consulting your doctor.Heparin flushing may cause bleeding in women over 60.Heparin should not be used to flush a baby less than one month old. You should not use heparin in children without consulting your doctor.
How to take Heparin?
Heparin flush can be injected directly into your intravenous (IV) line catheter lock. You may be taught how to use heparin at home.Use heparin flush only if you are sure that you know how to flush an IV line. Dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and all other items needed to inject medicines. Please follow your doctor's directions.Heparin flush should not be used if the color has changed or if there are particles present. For a new prescription, call your pharmacist.Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use a sharps container that is puncture-proof. Ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to dispose of it.Approach a pharmacist for assistance on where and how to purchase one and dispose of it properly.This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children.Store in an environment free from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forgot to flush your IV with heparin, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Dial 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical advice.
What should be avoided?
Before taking NSAIDs for swelling, a fever, or pain, consult your doctor. Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac, and other NSAIDs are included. Using an NSAID along with a heparin rinse may make you bleed more.
Interaction with other drug
Notify your doctor of all medicines you are currently taking as well as those you discontinue or begin taking, whether new or discontinued. This is especially important for blood-clot prevention medicines.Other drugs, such as herbal products, vitamins, and prescription medicines, may also interact with heparin. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are currently taking and those you plan to start using.
