Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TINZAPARIN - INJECTION

(tin-ZAP-uh-rin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Innohep

WARNING: Tell your doctor you are using this medication before undergoing any procedure involving spinal puncture/anesthesia. Using this medication before these procedures has caused major bruising or bleeding (epidural or spinal hematoma) inside the body. This may cause paralysis, maybe permanently. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: tingling, weakness, numbness, difficulty urinating, or pain. This risk is increased when you use other "blood thinning" medications (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), or when certain medication delivery devices (indwelling epidural catheters) are used. You will be monitored closely while you are on this medication.

Uses

Tinzaparin is a "blood thinner" used to treat blood clots usually formed in the legs or lungs. It is usually used in combination with another "blood thinner" medication (warfarin).

OTHER

Uses

This drug may also be used to prevent blood clots from developing in your body.

How To Use

Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously), usually once daily; or use as directed by your doctor. To minimize irritation, do not repeatedly inject the same spot; rotate/change the injection site. Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not inject this medication into a muscle (IM) or vein (IV). Treatment with tinzaparin may continue for at least 6 days or until the proper level of "blood thinning" (anticoagulation) is achieved. Another "blood thinner" medication (warfarin) will usually be added to your treatment within 3 days of starting this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Side Effects

Irritation, pain, tenderness, redness, headache, fever, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual bruising or bleeding, black stool, red- colored urine. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual fatigue, chest pain, irregular heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: one-sided weakness, vision problems, slurred speech, confusion, coffee-ground vomit, painful erection. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: severe bleeding, if you have had a blood-clotting reaction to heparin (thrombocytopenia). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, stomach problems (e.g., ulcers), diabetes, stroke, infections in the heart (endocarditis), recent surgery (especially eye, brain, or spinal surgery), allergies to heparin or preservatives like sulfites or benzyl alcohol, allergies to pork products, other allergies. Tell your dentist that you are being treated with this medication before any dental procedures. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: warfarin, drugs to dissolve blood clots (thrombolytics), aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), clopidogrel, ticlopidine, dipyridamole, dextran, sulfinpyrazone, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, ketorolac). Do not mix this medication with any other injectable drugs or IV fluids. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include excessive bleeding and bruising.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., hematocrit, platelets) may be performed to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).