Innohep SubQ

Tinzaparin is used to treat serious blood clots, usually in the legs. Tinzaparin may also be used to treat blood clots in the lungs. It is usually used with another \"blood thinner\" medication (warfarin). If untreated, blood clots can travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, causing serious (possibly fatal) breathing problems, heart attack, or stroke.
This drug may also be used to prevent blood clots (such as after certain surgeries with an increased risk of blood clots such as knee or hip replacement).
Tinzaparin is known as a \"blood thinner\" (anticoagulant). It is a type of heparin called low-molecular-weight heparin. It works by blocking certain natural substances in the blood that cause clotting.

How to use Innohep SubQ
Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of the information is unclear or you have questions.
Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to avoid problem areas under the skin.
Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix any other medication in the same injection.
You should be lying down or sitting when you get the injection. Inject this medication under the skin of the stomach/abdomen, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not inject into a muscle or a vein. To lower the risk of bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot.
When treating a blood clot, another \"blood thinner\" (warfarin) is usually started 1 to 3 days after you start using tinzaparin. Your doctor will direct you to use both of these medications until the warfarin is working well. Do not stop either of these medications until your doctor directs you to stop.
To prevent blood clots due to surgery, your doctor may direct you to start using this medication before or after surgery and continue for several days. Follow your doctor\'s directions closely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Pain, bruising, redness, and swelling at the injection site may occur. Headache, nosebleed, or fever may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising.
This medication may rarely cause serious bleeding. (See also Warning section.) Tell your doctor immediately if any signs of serious bleeding occur, including: shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, cold/blue fingers or toes, unusual dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, joint/muscle pain, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), difficulty moving, numbness/tingling, severe stomach/abdominal pain, bloody/black/tarry stool, red/pinkish urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, fainting, severe/persistent headache, slurred speech, vision problems, weakness on one side of the body.
For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

See also Warning section.
Before using tinzaparin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to heparin or pork products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites, benzyl alcohol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using tinzaparin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have: current serious bleeding (e.g., bleeding ulcer), a past blood-clotting problem because of heparin (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia).
Before using tinzaparin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, artificial heart valves, bleeding/blood problems (e.g., low platelet count), certain eye problem (diabetic retinopathy), high blood pressure, infections in the heart (bacterial endocarditis), kidney disease, liver disease, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., recent ulcers, colitis), stroke, recent spinal procedures or puncture, spine problems (such as spinal deformity), recent surgery (especially on the eye, brain, or spine).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.
This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like safety razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for serious (sometimes fatal) side effects (such as bleeding) while using this drug. If you are elderly and have kidney problems, your doctor may stop tinzaparin and prescribe a different medication for your condition. Consult your doctor for more details.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Since the benzyl alcohol in tinzaparin can affect the unborn baby, a preservative-free product should be used in pregnant women if possible.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

See also Warning section.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: mifepristone.
If you are currently using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting tinzaparin.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: \"blood thinners\"/anti-platelet drugs (e.g., dipyridamole, ticlopidine), salicylates/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, ketorolac), sulfinpyrazone.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin). Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if it has been prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: uncontrolled bleeding.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, tests to check for blood in the stool) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised November 2011. Copyright(c) 2011 First Databank, Inc.