In this leaflet:

1.    What Heparin infusion is and what it is used for

2.    What you need to know before you use Heparin infusion

3.    How to use Heparin infusion

4.    Possible side effects

5.    How to store Heparin infusion

6.    Contents of the pack and other information

1.    WHAT HEPARIN INFUSION IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR

Heparin infusion belongs to a group of medicines called anticoagulants.

Heparin changes the way your blood clots. This means your blood keeps flowing smoothly inside your blood vessels. These are the tubes that carry blood around your body and are called arteries and

Heparin infusion is used:

•    to help stop harmful blood clots in your veins growing bigger (treatment).

•    to help stop harmful blood clots forming in the tubing of an artificial kidney machine during kidney dialysis (haemodialysis).

An example is a harmful blood dot in a vein deep inside your body. This is usually in your leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT for short). Another example is a clot which blocks the blood supply to your lungs (pulmonary embolism).

It is more likely these dots will form if you are either overweight, pregnant, have certain blood disorders or have already had a

pulmonary embolism, DVT, heart attack or stroke It can also happen if you do not move around for long periods of time. This could be because you have had surgery or you have another illness.

2.    WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE HEPARIN INFUSION

Do not use Heparin infusion

•    If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to heparin or any of the other ingredients in your medicine. You can find a list of these ingredients in section 6 of this leaflet.

•    If you know that you have, or have ever had, a big drop in the clotting cells (platelets) in your blood, caused by having any type of heparin (reaction called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia).

•    If you have any condition which makes you bleed severely, such as haemophilia.

•    If you have very high blood pressure.

•    If you have severe liver problems.

•    If you have a stomach ulcer.

•    If you know that you have a condition called endocarditis (an inflammation of the lining of the heart and heart valves).

•    If you have had a brain haemorrhage (bleeding inside your

•    If you have an injury to your spine, head, eyes or ears.

•    If you have recently had, or are about to have an operation involving your spine, head, eyes or ears.

•    If you may be having a miscarriage.

Important: If you are having an epidural or spinal anaesthetic

You must remind your doctor that you are having Heparin infusion before you receive any anaesthetic.

If you are pregnant please also read the section of this leaflet "Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility".

After you have the anaesthetic your doctor or nurse will make regular checks. This is to check if you are getting any major bleeding or bruising around your spine. This may cause paralysis that could be permanent. Any signs this may be happening to you include tingling, weakness or numbness in your lower legs or body, back pain or problems in going to the toilet. This happens very

After you have the anaesthetic your doctor will tell you when you can take your medicine again.

Take special care with Heparin infusion Before you have Heparin infusion, tell your doctor:

•    If you have any condition which makes you more lkely to bleed more easily. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.

•    If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to low molecular weight heparins, such as tinzaparin, enoxaparin or dalteparin.

•    If you have kidney problems.

•    If you have liver problems.

•    If you have problems with your blood pressure (hypertension).

•    If you know you have a condition called diabetes mellitus.

•    If you know you have a condition called metabolic acidosis.

•    If you know you have any medical condition which may cause high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalaemia).

Ask your doctor if you are unsure.

•    If you are taking a medicine from the group called potassium-sparing diuretics, such as amiloride or spironolactone.

•    If you are taking another medicine that may affect your blood dotting. For a list of these medicines see the section "Taking other medicines".

Your doctor may take a blood test before you start having this medicine and while you are having it. This is so the doctor can check you are having the right dose. This is also to check the level of the clotting cells (platelets) and potassium in your blood.

This medicine may make you bleed more easily. The doctor or nurse should take care when giving you any other injections or procedures. This medicine must not be injected into yoir musdes. Other medicines and Heparin

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes any medicines which you have bought without a prescription.

You must tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:

•    ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II antagonists, such as enalapril, losartan or valsartan: for treating high blood pressure or heart problems. You may get too much potassium in your blood.

•    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac: for arthritis or aches or pains. You may be likely to bleed more easily.

•    Salicylates, such as aspirin: for reducing pain and inflammation, or for stopping harmful blood clots forming. You may be lkely to bleed more easily.

•    Platelet aggregation inhibitors, such as clopidogrel: for stopping harmful blood clots forming. You may be likely to bleed more easily.

•    Thrombolytic agents, such as streptokinase: for dissolving blood clots. You may be likely to bleed more easily.

•    Vitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin: for stopping harmful blood clots. You may be likely to bleed more easily.

•    Glyceryl trinitrate infusion: for treating angina. This may reduce the effect of Heparin infusion.

•    Activated protein C: for getting rid of blood clots. You may be likely to bleed more easily.

•    Dextrans: for increasing your blood volume. You may be likely to bleed more easily.

Your doctor may carry out check-ups on you, including blood tests, if you take any of these medicines at the same time as Heparin infusion.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

If you are pregnant or might be pregnant, tell your doctor before you are given Heparin infusion.

If you become pregnant while having this medicine tell your doctor.

If you are pregnant and are going to have an epidural anaesthetic, you should stop having your medicine. Ask your doctor for advice.

If you are breast-feeding, ask your doctor for advice before having Heparin infusion.

Driving and using machines

Usually your medicine may have little effect on your ability to drive or use machines. However, you should check with your doctor if you feel any side effect that may stop you from driving or using machines.

Important information about some of the ingredients of Heparin infusion

This medicine contains:

Customer: Fannin PL 20417/0109 Change: QRD Updates Colour: Pantone Black C Size: 150 x 250mm Proof: 1 Date: 20 May 15