Ardeparin injection

What is ardeparin injection?

Ardeparin (Normiflo®) helps to prevent formation of clots in the veins, arteries, lungs, or heart during and after surgery. Blood clots are most likely to form in the first few days after surgery when you are not able to walk. It is during this time that ardeparin is used. Generic ardeparin injections are not yet available.

NOTE: Ardeparin is no longer available for prescription use in the United States.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders, hemorrhage, or hemophilia

• brain tumor or aneurysm

• diabetes

• high blood pressure

• infection of the heart or heart valves

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• receiving injections of medications or vitamins

• recent injury, surgery, or delivery of baby

• previous stroke

• ulcer in the stomach or intestine, diverticulitis, or other bowel disease

• undergoing treatments for cancer

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ardeparin, heparin, pork or pork products, parabens, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Ardeparin is for injection under the skin. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. If you are told to give yourself injections, make sure you understand the procedure and how to dispose of used syringes and needles. Use disposable syringes only once, and throw away syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.

What if I miss a dose?

If you have been instructed to use ardeparin on a regular schedule, use missed doses as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not use double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with ardeparin?

• antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®), or ketoprofen (Orudis-KT®)

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cilostazol

• clopidogrel

• dipyridamole

• fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements

• herbal products containing feverfew, garlic, ginger, gingko, or horse chestnut

• ticlopidine

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking ardeparin?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving ardeparin. Notify your prescriber or health care professional and seek emergency treatment if you develop increased difficulty in breathing, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or arms, abdominal pain, decreased vision, pain when walking, or pain and warmth of the arms or legs. These can be signs that your condition has worsened.

Monitor your skin closely for easy bruising or red spots, which can indicate bleeding. If you notice easy bruising or minor bleeding from the nose, gums/teeth, in your urine, or stool, contact your prescriber or health care professional immediately, these are indications that your medication needs adjustment or evaluation. Keep scheduled appointments with your prescriber or health care professional to check on your condition.

If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you have received ardeparin.

Do not take aspirin or aspirin-like products (ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen) while using ardeparin unless directed to do so by your prescriber.

Be careful to avoid injury while you are using ardeparin. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth, shaving, cutting your fingernails or toenails, or when using sharp objects. Report any injuries to your prescriber or health care professional.

What side effects might I notice from receiving ardeparin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as back or stomach pain, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, or coughing up blood

• difficulty breathing

• dizziness or fainting spells

• heavy menstrual bleeding

More frequent:

• bleeding from the injection site

• fever

• unusual bruising or bleeding: bleeding gums, red spots on the skin, nosebleeds

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• pain or irritation at the injection site

• skin rash, itching

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store ardeparin syringes at room temperature between 15—25 degrees C (59—77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.