Uses
Dalteparin is used to prevent and treat harmful blood clots. Preventing harmful blood clots helps to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack. This medication helps keep your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the activity of clotting proteins in the blood. Dalteparin is a type of heparin, and works as an anticoagulant (commonly called a "blood thinner").
Conditions that increase your risk of developing blood clots include certain types of surgeries (such as hip replacement or abdominal surgery), long periods of being in one position (immobile), certain types of heart attack, and a certain type of chest pain called unstable angina. For some medical conditions, dalteparin may be used in combination with other "blood thinners."
Dalteparin may also be used to treat and prevent clots from coming back in patients with cancer. It may also be used to prevent clotting in certain equipment used by patients on hemodialysis.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using dalteparin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Do not inject into a muscle. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The dosage may also be based on your weight for some conditions. This medication may also be given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor, for certain conditions.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. This medication should not be mixed with or added to any other medication. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. To minimize bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
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(s) each day.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Irritation, bruising, and pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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.
This medication can cause bleeding if its effect on your blood clotting proteins is too much. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious signs of bleeding, including:
- unusual pain/swelling/discomfort
- unusual or prolonged bleeding
- unusual or easy bruising
- dark urine
- black stools
- severe headache
- confusion
- vision changes
- unusual dizziness
- fainting
- seizures
- weakness
- numbness
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away 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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using dalteparin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to heparins or pork products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as benzyl alcohol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- serious active bleeding
- artificial heart valves
- bleeding or blood disorders (low platelet counts)
- certain eye problems (hypertensive or diabetic retinopathy)
- high blood pressure
- infection of the heart
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- low platelet counts after previous heparin treatment
- certain stomach/intestinal problems (such as active or recent ulcers)
- stroke
- recent spinal procedures or puncture
- spine problems (such as spinal deformity)
- recent eye/brain/spinal cord surgery
Limit alcohol while using this drug because it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is:
This medication is sometimes used together with other drugs that have "blood thinning" or anti-platelet effects such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin. When these combinations are prescribed by your doctor, you will require closer monitoring to minimize your risk of bleeding. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) which can increase the risk of bleeding/anti-platelet effect when used with dalteparin. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: excessive bleeding and bruising.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, anti-factor Xa blood levels) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. 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. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications 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.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
