Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Heparin sodium may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for Heparin belongs to a group of drugs that are called anticoagulants. These help to stop blood clotting. Heparin injection 5,000 I.U./ml or 25,000 I.U./ml is used in conditions where blood vessels may become blocked by blood clots. It is therefore used to treat and prevent:
Heparin Injection This medicine should not be injected into your muscles This medicine should not be used after major trauma Heparin injection should not be given if you:
Information for Health Care Professionals Heparin sodium 5,000 I.U./ml solution for injection or concentrate for solution for infusion Heparin sodium 25,000 I.U./ml solution for injection or concentrate for solution for infusion Qualitative and Quantitative Composition Heparin sodium 5,000 I.U./ml – Heparin sodium 5,000 I.U./ml (25,000 I.U. in 5ml) Heparin sodium 25,000 I.U./ml – Heparin sodium 25,000 I.U./ml (125,000 I.U. in 5ml) For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. Posology and method of administration Route of administration By continuous intravenous infusion in 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride or by intermittent intravenous injection, or by subcutaneous injection. The intravenous injection volume of heparin injection should not exceed 15ml. As the effects of heparin are short-lived, administration by intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection is preferable to intermittent intravenous injections. Recommended dosage Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: Adults: 2 hours pre-operatively: 5,000 units subcutaneously Followed by: 5,000 units subcutaneously every 8-12 hours, for 7-10 days or until the patient is fully ambulant. No laboratory monitoring should be necessary during low dose heparin prophylaxis. If monitoring is considered desirable, anti-Xa assays should be used as the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is not significantly prolonged. During pregnancy: 5,000 – 10,000 units every 12 hours, subcutaneously, adjusted according to APTT or anti-Xa assay. Elderly: Dosage reduction and monitoring of APTT may be advisable.
Warning! We cannot accept responsibility for any errors in this proof after approval. Whilst we take extreme care at all times to ensure accuracy to our client's brief, the final responsibility must be taken by our client. IF YOU SIGN THIS PROOF YOU ARE SIGNIFYING FULL APPROVAL OF DESIGN AND TEXT.
heparin. A small test dose of heparin sodium injection may be given first.
Children: No dosage recommendations. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: Adults: Loading dose: 5,000 units intravenously (10,000 units may be required in severe pulmonary embolism) Maintenance: 1,000-2,000 units/hour by intravenous infusion, or 10,000-20,000 units 12 hourly subcutaneously, or 5,000-10,000 units 4-hourly by intravenous injection. Elderly: Dosage reduction may be advisable. Children and small adults: Loading dose: 50 units/kg intravenously Maintenance: 15-25 units/kg/hour by intravenous infusion, or 250 units/kg 12 hourly subcutaneously or 100 units/kg 4-hourly by intravenous injection Treatment of unstable angina pectoris and acute peripheral arterial occlusion: Adults: Loading dose: 5,000 units intravenously Maintenance: 1,000-2,000 units/hour by intravenous infusion, or 5,000-10,000 units 4-hourly by intravenous injection. Elderly: Dosage reduction may be advisable. Children and small adults: Loading dose: 50 units/kg intravenously Maintenance: 15-25 units/kg/hour by intravenous infusion, or 100 units/kg 4-hourly by intravenous injection Daily laboratory monitoring (ideally at the same time each day, starting 4-6 hours after initiation of treatment) is essential during full-dose heparin treatment, with
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Wockhardt UK Limited
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Heparin sodium 5000i.u/ml leaflet
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Pregnancy During pregnancy the dosage is 5,000-10,000 units injected under the skin every 12 hours. The dose may be adjusted according to your blood tests. Elderly Lower doses may be used in the elderly. You may need to have blood tests if you are elderly, to check on the effects of your heparin treatment. Children No specific doses are recommended. To TREAT blood clots in leg veins (deep vein thrombosis) and blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism). Adults The usual dose in adults is 5,000 units injected into a vein. This is followed by:
adjustment of dosage to maintain an APTT value 1.5-2.5 x midpoint of normal range or control value. Prophylaxis of mural thrombosis following myocardial infarction Adults: 12,500 units 12 hourly subcutaneously for at least 10 days. Elderly: Dosage reduction may be advisable In extracorporeal circulation and haemodialysis Adults: Cardiopulmonary bypass: Initially 300 units/kg intravenously, adjusted thereafter to maintain the activated clotting time (ACT) in the range 400-500 seconds. Haemodialysis and haemofiltration: Initially 1,000-5,000 units, Maintenance: 1,000-2,000 units/hour, adjusted to maintain clotting time >40 minutes. Heparin resistance Patients with altered heparin responsiveness or heparin resistance may require disproportionately higher doses of heparin to achieve the desired effect. Also refer to section 4.4, Special warnings and precautions for use. List of excipients Benzyl alcohol Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) Water for injections Sodium hydroxide solution Hydrochloric acid Incompatibilities Heparin is incompatible with many injectable preparations e.g. some antibiotics, opioid analgesics and antihistamines. The following drugs are incompatible with heparin; Alteplase, amikacin sulfate, amiodarone hydrochloride, ampicillin sodium, aprotinin, benzylpenicillin potassium or sodium, cefalotin sodium, chlorpromazine hydrochloride, ciprofloxacin lactate, cisatracurium besilate, cytarabine, dacarbazine, daunorubicin hydrochloride, diazepam,
Warning! We cannot accept responsibility for any errors in this proof after approval. Whilst we take extreme care at all times to ensure accuracy to our client's brief, the final responsibility must be taken by our client. IF YOU SIGN THIS PROOF YOU ARE SIGNIFYING FULL APPROVAL OF DESIGN AND TEXT.
Signs of developing paralysis include: o tingling, weakness or numbness in your legs or lower body o back pain o incontinence of urine or incontinence from back passage or other problem in those areas You must get urgent medical help if you have any of these symptoms following an epidural or spinal anaesthetic. Other side effects include: Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
4. Possible side effects 5. How to store heparin injection 6. Contents of the pack and other information
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting systems listed below. United Kingdom Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Heparin Injection Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Your doctor or nurse will usually be responsible for storing and preparing heparin injection before use and for checking that the vials have not passed their expiry date stated on the carton and the label. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Heparin injection should not be given if it shows signs of deterioration such as discolouration. Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original packaging in order to protect the product from light. After opening, heparin vials may be kept for 28 days at 25°C, after which they should be discarded. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
What heparin injection contains The active substance is heparin sodium. 1ml of solution of heparin sodium injection 5,000 I.U./ml contains 5,000 international units of the active ingredient. It is available in 5ml multidose vials containing 25,000 I.U. in 5ml of solution. 1ml of solution of heparin sodium injection 25,000 I.U./ml contains 25,000 international units of the active ingredient. It is available in 5ml multidose vials containing 125,000 I.U. in 5ml of solution. The other ingredients include benzyl alcohol (10mg/ml), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), water for injections, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. What heparin injection looks like and contents of the pack Heparin injection is a colourless or straw-coloured liquid. Each carton contains 10 glass vials. Other formats To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK Only) Please be ready to give the following information: Product Name Heparin sodium 5,000 I.U./ml solution for injection or concentrate for solution for infusion Heparin sodium 25,000 I.U./ml solution for injection or concentrate for solution for infusion
Reference Number 29831/0110
29831/0108
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder: Wockhardt UK Ltd, Ash Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9UF, UK. Manufacturer: CP Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Ash Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9UF, UK. This leaflet was last revised in 01/2022
106923/5
doxorubicin hydrochloride, droperidol, erythromycin lactobionate, gentamicin sulfate, haloperidol lactate, hyaluronidase, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, kanamycin sulfate, labetolol hydrochloride, levofloxacin, methicillin sodium, methotrimeprazine, netilmicin sulfate, nicardipine hydrochloride, oxytetracycline hydrochloride, pethidine hydrochloride, polymyxin B sulfate, promethazine hydrochloride, streptomycin sulfate, tobramycin sulfate, triflupromazine hydrochloride, vancomycin hydrochloride, vinblastine sulfate and vinorelbine tartrate. Dobutamine hydrochloride and heparin should not be mixed or infused through the same intravenous line, as this causes precipitation. Heparin and reteplase are incompatible when combined in solution. If reteplase and heparin are to be given through the same line this, together with any Y-lines, must be thoroughly flushed with a 0.9% saline or a 5% glucose solution prior to and following the reteplase injection. Shelf life 3 years Chemical and physical in use stability has been demonstrated for 28 days at 25°C. From a microbiological point of view, once opened, the product may be stored for a maximum of 28 days at 25°C. Other in use storage times and conditions are the responsibility of the user. Special precautions for storage Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package Special precautions for disposal Each multidose vial should be restricted to use in a single patient. This leaflet was last revised in January 2022
106923/5
Customer
Wockhardt UK Limited
Colours Used
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Heparin sodium 5000i.u/ml leaflet
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Item Code
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Text Free Area (Non-Printing)
Size
560 x 148mm
Min.Point Size
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Market
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Language
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Standard 319
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Date
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Heparin sodium 5,000 I.U./ml solution for injection or concentrate for solution for infusion (with preservative) (PL 29831/0110) comes as injection. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Heparin sodium 5,000 I.U./ml solution for injection or concentrate for solution for infusion (with preservative) (PL 29831/0110) is heparin sodium.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Heparin 5,000 I.U./ml Solution for injection (with preservative), Heparin Sodium 5,000 I.U./ml Solution for injection (without preservative), Heparin calcium 25,000 I.U./ml Solution for injection or concentrate for solution for infusion (PL 29831/0104). In total there are 8 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Heparin sodium 5,000 I.U./ml solution for injection or concentrate for solution for infusion (with preservative) (PL 29831/0110), as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, unstable angina pectoris and acute peripheral arterial occlusion.
Prophylaxis of mural thrombosis following myocardial infarction.
In extracorporeal circulation and haemodialysis.
Route of administration
By continuous intravenous infusion in 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride or by intermittent intravenous injection, or by subcutaneous injection.
The intravenous injection volume of heparin injection should not exceed 15ml.
As the effects of heparin are short-lived, administration by intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection is preferable to intermittent intravenous injections.
Recommended dosage
Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism:
Adults:
2 hours pre-operatively:
5,000 units subcutaneously
followed by:
5,000 units subcutaneously every 8-12 hours, for 7-10 days or until the patient is fully ambulant.
No laboratory monitoring should be necessary during low dose heparin prophylaxis. If monitoring is considered desirable, anti-Xa assays should be used as the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is not significantly prolonged.
During pregnancy:
5,000 - 10,000 units every 12 hours, subcutaneously, adjusted according to APTT or anti-Xa assay.
Elderly:
Dosage reduction and monitoring of APTT may be advisable.
Children:
No dosage recommendations.
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism:
Adults:
Loading dose:
5,000 units intravenously (10,000 units may be required in severe pulmonary embolism)
Maintenance:
1,000-2,000 units/hour by intravenous infusion,
or 10,000-20,000 units 12 hourly subcutaneously,
or 5,000-10,000 units 4-hourly by intravenous injection.
Elderly:
Dosage reduction may be advisable.
Children and small adults:
Loading dose:
50 units/kg intravenously
Maintenance:
15-25 units/kg/hour by intravenous infusion,
or 250 units/kg 12 hourly subcutaneously
or 100 units/kg 4-hourly by intravenous injection
Treatment of unstable angina pectoris and acute peripheral arterial occlusion:
Adults:
Loading dose:
5,000 units intravenously
Maintenance:
1,000-2,000 units/hour by intravenous infusion,
or 5,000-10,000 units 4-hourly by intravenous injection.
Elderly:
Dosage reduction may be advisable.
Children and small adults:
Loading dose:
50 units/kg intravenously
Maintenance:
15-25 units/kg/hour by intravenous infusion,
or 100 units/kg 4-hourly by intravenous injection
Daily laboratory monitoring (ideally at the same time each day, starting 4-6 hours after initiation of treatment) is essential during full-dose heparin treatment, with adjustment of dosage to maintain an APTT value 1.5-2.5 x midpoint of normal range or control value.
Prophylaxis of mural thrombosis following myocardial infarction
Adults:
12,500 units 12 hourly subcutaneously for at least 10 days.
Elderly:
Dosage reduction may be advisable
In extracorporeal circulation and haemodialysis
Adults:
Cardiopulmonary bypass:
Initially 300 units/kg intravenously, adjusted thereafter to maintain the activated clotting time (ACT) in the range 400-500 seconds.
Haemodialysis and haemofiltration:
Initially 1-5,000 units,
Maintenance: 1-2,000 units/hour, adjusted to maintain clotting time >40 minutes.
Heparin resistance
Patients with altered heparin responsiveness or heparin resistance may require disproportionately higher doses of heparin to achieve the desired effect. Also refer to section 4.4, Special warnings and precautions for use.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Must not be given to premature babies or neonates (contains benzyl alcohol).
Heparin should not be administered by intramuscular injection or after major trauma.
Patients who consume large amounts of alcohol, who are sensitive to the drug, who are actively bleeding or who have haemophilia or other bleeding disorders, severe liver disease (including oesophageal varices), purpura, severe hypertension, active tuberculosis or increased capillary permeability.
Patients with present or previous thrombocytopenia. The rare occurrence of skin necrosis in patients receiving heparin contra-indicates the further use of heparin either by subcutaneous or intravenous routes because of the risk of thrombocytopenia. Because of the special hazard of post-operative haemorrhage heparin is contra-indicated during surgery of the brain, spinal cord and eye, in procedures at sites where there is a risk of bleeding, in patients that have had recent surgery, and in patients undergoing lumbar puncture or regional anaesthetic block.
The relative risks and benefits of heparin should be carefully assessed in patients with a bleeding tendency or those patients with an actual or potential bleeding site eg. hiatus hernia, peptic ulcer, neoplasm, bacterial endocarditis, retinopathy, bleeding haemorrhoids, suspected intracranial haemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis or threatened abortion.
In patients receiving heparin for treatment rather than prophylaxis, locoregional anaesthesia in elective surgical procedures is contraindicated because use of heparin may be very rarely associated with epidural or spinal haematoma resulting in prolonged or permanent paralysis. If such a procedure is planned the heparin should be stopped and the procedure should be delayed until the aPTT has returned to normal. Epidural anaesthesia use during birth in pregnant women treated with heparin is contraindicated (see section 4.6).
Menstruation is not a contra-indication.
Concomitant use of intravenous diclofenac with heparin (including low dose heparin) is contraindicated.
Platelet counts should be measured in patients receiving heparin treatment for longer than 5 days and the treatment should be stopped immediately in those who develop thrombocytopenia.
Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and heparin induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT) can occur up to several weeks after discontinuation of heparin therapy. Patients presenting with thrombocytopenia or thrombosis after discontinuation of heparin should be evaluated for HIT or HITT.
In patients with advanced renal or hepatic disease, a reduction in dosage may be necessary. The risk of bleeding is increased with severe renal impairment and in the elderly (particularly elderly women).
Although heparin hypersensitivity is rare, it is advisable to give a trial dose of 1,000 I.U. in patients with a history of allergy. Caution should be exercised in patients with known hypersensitivity to low molecular weight heparins.
In most patients, the recommended low-dose regimen produces no alteration in clotting time. However, patients show an individual response to heparin, and it is therefore essential that the effect of therapy on coagulation time should be monitored in patients undergoing major surgery.
Caution is recommended in patients receiving heparin prophylactically and undergoing spinal or epidural anaesthesia or spinal puncture (risk of spinal or epidural haematoma resulting in prolonged or permanent paralysis). The risk is increased by the use of a peridural or spinal catheter for anaesthesia, by the concomitant use of drugs affecting haemostasis such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors or anticoagulants and by traumatic or repeated puncture.
In decision making on the interval between the last administration of heparin at prophylactic doses and the placement or removal of a peridural or spinal catheter, the product characteristics and the patient profile should be taken into account. Subsequent dose should not take place before at least four hours have elapsed. Re-administration should be delayed until the surgical procedure is completed.
Should a physician decide to administer anticoagulation in the context of peridural or spinal anaesthesia, extreme vigilance and frequent monitoring must be exercised to detect any signs and symptoms of neurologic impairment, such as back pain, sensory and motor deficits and bowel or bladder dysfunction. Patients should be instructed to inform a nurse or clinician immediately if they experience any of these.
Heparin can suppress adrenal secretion of aldosterone leading to hyperkalemia, particularly in patients such as those with diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, pre-existing metabolic acidosis, a raised plasma potassium, or taking potassium sparing drugs. The risk of hyperkalemia appears to increase with duration of therapy but is usually reversible. Plasma potassium should be measured in patients at risk before starting heparin therapy and in all patients treated for more than 7 days.
Heparin resistance
There is considerable variation in individual anticoagulant responses to heparin.
Heparin resistance, defined as an inadequate response to heparin at a standard dose for achieving a therapeutic goal occurs in approximately 5 to 30% of patients.
Factors predisposing to the development of heparin resistance, include:
• Antithrombin III activity less than 60% of normal (antithrombin III-dependent heparin resistance):
Reduced antithrombin III activity may be hereditary or more commonly, acquired (secondary to preoperative heparin therapy in the main, chronic liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, cardiopulmonary bypass, low grade disseminated intravascular coagulation or drug induced, e.g. by aprotinin, oestrogen or possibly nitroglycerin)
• Patients with normal or supranormal antithrombin III levels (antithrombin III-independent heparin resistance)
• Thromboembolic disorders
• Increased heparin clearance
• Elevated levels of heparin binding proteins, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, platelet factor 4 or histidine-rich glycoprotein
• Active infection (sepsis or endocarditis)
• Preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation
• Thrombocytopenia
• Thrombocytosis
• Advanced age
• Plasma albumin concentration ≤ 35g/dl
• Relative hypovolaemia
Heparin resistance is also often encountered in acutely ill patients, in patients with malignancy and during pregnancy or the post-partum period.
Drugs affecting platelet function or the coagulation system should in general not be given concomitantly with heparin (see section 4.5).
Heparin Injection contain Benzyl alcohol and Methyl parahydroxybenzoate
Benzyl alcohol
This medicine contains 10mg/ml benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions.
Benzyl alcohol has been linked with the risk of severe side effects including breathing problems (called ''gasping syndrome'') in young children.
Do not give to your newborn baby (up to 4 weeks old), unless recommended by your doctor.
Do not use for more than a week in young children (less than 3 years old), unless advised by your doctor.
Large amounts of benzyl alcohol can build up in pregnant or breast feeding women which may cause side effects (called ''metabolic acidosis''). This side effect can also be seen in people with liver or kidney disease.
Methyl parahydroxybenzoate
The methyl parahydroxybenzoate in heparin injection may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed) and exceptionally bronchospasm
Analgesics: Drugs that interfere with platelet aggregation eg. aspirin and other NSAIDs should be used with care. Increased risk of haemorrhage with;
- Ketorolac
- Intravenous diclofenac (refer to section 4.3)
Avoid concomitant use of either ketorolac or intravenous diclofenac, even with low-dose heparin.
Anticoagulants, platelet inhibitors, etc: Increased risk of bleeding with oral anticoagulants, epoprostenol, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, streptokinase, dipyridamole, dextran solutions, abciximab, eptifibatide or any other drug which may interfere with coagulation.
Cephalosporins: Some cephalosporins, e.g. cefaclor, cefixime and ceftriaxone, can affect the coagulation process and may therefore increase the risk of haemorrhage when used concurrently with heparin.
ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists or the renin inhibitor aliskiren: Hyperkalaemia may occur with concomitant use.
Nitrates: Reduced activity of heparin has been reported with simultaneous intravenous glyceryl trinitrate infusion.
Probenecid: May increase the anticoagulant effects of heparin.
Tobacco smoke: Nicotine may partially counteract the anticoagulant effect of heparin. Increased heparin dosage may be required in smokers.
Interference with diagnostic tests may be associated with pseudo-hypocalcaemia (in haemodialysis patients), artefactual increases in total thyroxine and triiodothyronine, simulated metabolic acidosis and inhibition of the chromogenic lysate assay for endotoxin. Heparin may interfere with the determination of aminoglycosides by immunoassays.
Heparin is not contraindicated in pregnancy. Heparin does not cross the placenta or appear in breast milk. The decision to use heparin in pregnancy should be taken after evaluation of the risk/benefit in any particular circumstances.
Osteoporosis has been reported with prolonged heparin treatment during pregnancy.
Particular caution is required at the time of delivery. Due to the risk of uteroplacental haemorrhage, heparin treatment should be stopped at the onset of labour.
If epidural anaesthesia is envisaged, heparin treatment should be suspended whenever possible.
Use in women with threatened abortion is contraindicated (refer to section 4.3).
None stated.
Blood disorders:
Haemorrhage (see also Special Warnings and Precautions and Overdosage Information).
Thrombocytopenia has been observed occasionally (see also Special Precautions and Warnings). It has been reported that thrombocytopenia occurs more frequently with bovine-derived heparin than porcine-derived heparin. Two types of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia have been defined. Type I is frequent, mild (usually >50 x 109/L) and transient, occurring within 1-5 days of heparin administration. Type II is less frequent but often associated with severe thrombocytopenia (usually <50 x 109/L). It is immune-mediated and occurs after a week or more (earlier in patients previously exposed to heparin). It is associated with the production of a platelet-aggregating antibody and thromboembolic complications, due to platelet-rich thrombi (the 'white clot syndrome'), which may precede the onset of thrombocytopenia. Pulmonary embolism has been reported as thromboembolic complications of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Heparin should be discontinued immediately in patients who develop thrombocytopenia.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT) can occur up to several weeks after the discontinuation of heparin therapy. Patients presenting with thrombocytopenia or thrombosis after discontinuation of heparin should be evaluated for HIT and HITT.
Endocrine disorders:
Adrenal insufficiency secondary to adrenal haemorrhage has been associated with heparin (rarely). Heparin products can cause hypoaldosteronism which may result in an increase in plasma potassium. Rarely, clinically significant hyperkalemia may occur particularly in patients with chronic renal failure and diabetes mellitus (see Warnings and Precautions).
Hepatic disorders:
Increased serum transaminase values may occur but usually resolve on discontinuation of heparin.
Immune system disorders:
Hypersensitivity reactions to heparin are rare. They include urticaria, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma, cyanosis, tachypnoea, feeling of oppression, fever, chills, angioneurotic oedema and anaphylactic shock.
In some instances the precipitating agent will prove to be the preservative rather than the heparin itself.
Metabolic disorders:
Heparin administration is associated with release of lipoprotein lipase into the plasma; rebound hyperlipidaemia may follow heparin withdrawal.
Muscle and tissue disorders:
There is some evidence that prolonged dosing with heparin (i.e. over many months) may cause osteoporosis and fractures in the vertebra and ribs. Significant bone demineralisation has been reported in women taking more than 10,000 I.U. per day of heparin for three months or longer.
Reproductive and breast disorders:
Priapism has been reported.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:
Local irritation and skin necrosis may occur but are rare. There is some evidence that prolonged dosing with heparin (i.e. over many months) may cause alopecia.
Erythematous nodules, or infiltrated and sometimes eczema-like plaques, at the site of subcutaneous injections are common, occurring 3-21 days after starting heparin treatment.
Pruritus
Rash (including erythematous and maculopapular)
Vascular disorders:
Haematoma. Very rare cases of epidural and spinal haematoma have been reported in patients receiving heparin for prophylaxis undergoing spinal or epidural anaesthesia or spinal puncture.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
A potential hazard of heparin therapy is haemorrhage, but this is usually due to overdosage and the risk is minimised by strict laboratory control. Slight haemorrhage can usually be treated by withdrawing the drug. If bleeding is more severe, clotting time and platelet count should be determined. Prolonged clotting time will indicate the presence of an excessive anticoagulant effect requiring neutralisation by intravenous protamine sulfate, at a dosage of 1 mg for every 100 I.U. of heparin to be neutralised. The bolus dose of protamine sulfate should be given slowly over about 10 minutes and not exceed 50 mg. If more than 15 minutes have elapsed since the injection of heparin, lower doses of protamine will be necessary.
Ask anything about Heparin sodium 5,000 I.U./ml solution for injection or concentrate for solution for infusion (with preservative) (PL 29831/0110). The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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