Dalteparin injection

What is this medicine?

DALTEPARIN (dal te PA rin) is used to prevent complications caused by unstable angina or heart attack. It is also used after hip or stomach surgery, or during the first few days after any surgery when patients are not able to walk. It can be used to treat existing blood clots in the lungs or in the veins.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Stopping this medicine may increase your risk of a blot clot. Be sure to refill your prescription before you run out of medicine.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bone pain

• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

• signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as chest pain; shortness of breath; pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg

• signs and symptoms of a stroke such as changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of coordination

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

• hair loss

• pain or irritation at the injection site

What may interact with this medicine?

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots

• dipyridamole

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at controlled room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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

• having surgery

• high blood pressure

• history of stomach bleeding

• history of stroke

• infection of the heart or heart valves

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood counts, like white cells, platelets, or red blood cells

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dalteparin, heparin, pork or pork products, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. It is important not to miss any appointments.

If you are going to have surgery or other procedure, tell your healthcare professional that you are using this medicine.

Using this medicine for a long time may weaken your bones and increase the risk of bone fractures.

Avoid sports and activities that might cause injury while you are using this medicine. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your healthcare professional.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.