Heparin Vials (Heparin Sodium, Porcine)

Do's

• Use Heparin Vial exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage, frequency, injection site (vein or under the skin), and monitoring plan.
• Double-check the strength and dose of Heparin before injecting to avoid errors.
• Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol if injecting under the skin.
• Rotate injection sites under the skin to prevent irritation.
• Learn proper injection techniques if administering Heparin yourself at home.
• Inspect the medication visually for particles or discoloration before use. Don't use it if discolored or cloudy.
• Use Heparin regularly as directed for optimal benefit.

Don'ts

• Don't inject Heparin into a muscle.
• Don't use expired Heparin.
• Don't inject Heparin near irritated, bruised, or infected areas.
• Don't reuse needles or syringes.
• Don't stop taking Heparin without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't use Heparin with certain medications that can interact, such as doxorubicin, droperidol, ciprofloxacin, and mitoxantrone. If using these medications through a catheter/line, flush it with normal saline before and after.

Common Side Effects:

• Redness, pain, bruising, or sores at the spot where heparin was injected
• Hair loss
• Chills
• Fever
• Hives
• Rash
• Mild gastrointestinal upset
• Vaginal discomfort/itching/discharge

Serious Side Effects:

• Signs of serious bleeding, including unusual pain/swelling/discomfort, prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums, frequent nosebleeds, unusually heavy/prolonged menstrual periods, unusual/easy bruising, dark urine, black stools, severe headache, unusual dizziness
• Serious allergic reactions, such as swelling at the injection site, bone pain, easily broken bones, trouble breathing, fast breathing or wheezing, pain/loss of feeling in the arms/legs, change in color of arms/legs, balance issues, confusion, problems seeing or hearing, headaches, pain in the chest, fast heart rate, coffee ground-like vomit
• Rare side effects such as blood under the skin (blood blister) at the place of injection, chest pain, chills or fever, fast or irregular breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Heparin vials,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Do not take Heparin if you are allergic to it, pork products, pentosan polysulfate sodium, or any ingredients in the medication (like benzyl alcohol).

Talk to your healthcare provider before using Heparin if you have a history of bleeding problems, high blood pressure, heart problems, recent surgery, cancer, ulcers, liver disease, high potassium levels, or are pregnant.

Be very careful to avoid cuts, bruises, and injuries while taking Heparin.

Limit alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding with Heparin.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including herbal products, before any surgery or dental procedure.

Heparin contains sodium, so talk to your healthcare provider if you have a salt-restricted diet or certain medical conditions.

Older adults, especially women over 60, may be more susceptible to bleeding side effects from Heparin.

Heparin should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Heparin is safe for breastfeeding.