Dalteparin (dal-TE-pa-rin)

Prevents clots from forming in blood vessels during or after surgery. Prevents blood clots from forming in blood vessels for patients with unstable angina or heart attack. Also treats problems caused by blood clots in the lungs, legs, and other parts of the body.

Brand Name(s):

Fragmin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a blood thinner (such as warfarin or Coumadin®), streptokinase (Streptase®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Bextra®, or Celebrex®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have severe high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, a stomach ulcer, or have had a stroke. Tell your doctor if you have had serious bleeding caused by heparin in the past.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you had recent surgery on your mouth, brain, or eyes. Your doctor will need to know if you have any problems with your heart, such as an infection.
• This medicine may cause bleeding. This risk is higher if you have a catheter in your back for pain medicine or anesthetics. This is sometimes called an "epidural". Discuss this with your doctor if you are concerned.
• You may bleed and bruise more easily while you are using this medicine. Be extra careful to avoid injuries until the effects of the medicine have worn off. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers. Avoid picking your nose. If you need to blow your nose, blow it gently.
• Watch for any bleeding from open areas such as around the injection site. Also check for blood in your urine or stool. If you have any bleeding or injuries, tell your doctor right away.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blood in your urine or stools.
• Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Nosebleeds, or coughing up blood.
• Pain, swelling, or bruising where the shot was given.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.