U.S. Brand Names

Hep-Lock; Hep-Lock U/P; HepFlush®-10

Canadian Brand Names

Hepalean®; Hepalean® Leo; Hepalean®-LOK

Mexican Brand Names

Proparin

Pharmacologic Category

Anticoagulant

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to heparin or any other part of this medicine.

• If you are allergic to pork products, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have a sulfite allergy, talk with healthcare provider.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Bleeding problems or low platelet count.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form.

• This medicine is used to treat blood clots.

• This medicine is used to decrease heart attacks in patients who have unstable angina or mild heart attacks.

How does it work?

• Heparin changes the body's clotting system. It thins the blood to prevent clots from forming.

How is it best taken?

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein or into the fatty part of the skin.

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.

• Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Move site where you give the shot with each shot.

• Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification.

• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.

• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.

• You may bleed more easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Talk with healthcare provider before using other: aspirin, aspirin-containing products, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, ibuprofen or like products, pain medicines, or vitamin E.

• Use caution to prevent injury and avoid falls or accidents.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Bleeding problems.

• Irritation where the shot is given.

• Weakened bones with long-term use.

• Severe allergic reactions can rarely occur.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Signs or symptoms of bleeding.

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Falls or accidents, especially if you hit your head. Talk with healthcare provider even if you feel fine.

• Swelling or pain of leg or arm.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Severe headache.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-11-02 14:57:35.0

Modified: 2010-10-25 08:03:47.0

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