What is Heparin Lock (Flush)?
Heparin Lock is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clots.Heparin Lock Flush is used to clean out an intravenous (IV) catheter. This helps prevent blockage after receiving an IV infusion.Heparin Lock should not be used for treating or preventing blood clots. An alternative Heparin Lock product can be used.Heparin Lock Flush can be used in other ways not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side effects of Heparin Lock (flush)
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 lock can cause bleeding. If you experience unusual bleeding or easy bruising, including nosebleeds, bloody or black tarry stools, or bleeding that won't stop, call your doctor immediately.
Heparin Lock flush may cause serious side effects. Heparin Lock Flush should be stopped immediately, and you should consult your doctor if:
- 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. Reaching out to the FDA can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088 if there are side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Heparin flush, Monoject Prefill Advanced
Warnings
Heparin Lock should not be used for treating or preventing blood clots. An alternative Heparin Lock product can be used.Heparin lock flush should not be used if your bleeding is uncontrolled or you have a severe platelet deficiency.Heparin lock can cause bleeding. If you experience unusual bleeding or easy bruising, including 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. If you use Heparin Lock Flush while taking certain medications, you may bleed more.
Before you take this drug
Heparin Lock Flush should not be used if:
- A severe lack of blood platelets;
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Tell your doctor about any of the following conditions to ensure that Heparin Lock will be safe for you:
- Allergies of any kind
- An infection in the lining of your lungs (also known as bacterial endocarditis);
- 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,
Heparin lock flush may harm a baby in utero. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.If you are breastfeeding a child, do not use Heparin lock flush without first consulting your doctor.Heparin Lock Flush may cause bleeding in women over 60.Heparin lock flush should not be used on a baby less than one month old. Heparin Lock should not be used on any child without the doctor's approval.
How to take Heparin Lock?
Heparin Lock Flush can be injected directly into your intravenous (IV) catheter lock. Heparin Lock Flush may be used at home.Heparin lock flush should not be used if you are not sure how to flush an IV line or dispose of needles, tubing, and other items that were used to inject medicines. Please follow your doctor's directions.Heparin Lock 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. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of sharps in a container that is puncture-proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forgot to use Heparin Lock to flush your intravenous line, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Before taking a nonsteroidal inflammatory drug (NSAID), consult your doctor. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac, and indomethacin are all examples. Using NSAIDs with a Heparin lock flush can cause bleeding.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using. This is especially important for blood-clotting medicines.Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may interact with Heparin Flush. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
