DALTEPARIN

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fragmin

GENERIC NAME(S): DALTEPARIN SODIUM,PORCINE

Description: Dalteparin Na is an anticoagulant that prevents clot formation. It acts mainly through its ability to lower the action of the clotting proteins factor Xa and thrombin, and keeps the blood flow smoothly.
Onset: Anti-Xa activity: W/in 1-2 hr.
Duration: >12 hr.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Almost completely absorbed (SC). Bioavailability: Approx 87%. Time to peak plasma concentration: Approx 4 hr.
Distribution: Volume of distribution: 0.4-0.6 L/kg. Plasma protein binding: Low.
Excretion: Via kidneys. Terminal half-life: Approx 2 hr (IV); 3-5 hr (SC).

Uses

Indications:

Conditions that increase your risk of developing blood clots include certain types of surgeries (such as hip replacement, 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.

OTHER USES: It may also be used to prevent clotting in certain equipment used by patients for hemodialysis.

Contraindications:

Should not be used if there is:

Active major bleeding
Heparin induced thrombocytopenia or low white blood cell
Hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to dalteparin
If patients are undergoing epidural/ neuraxial anesthesia

How to use dalteparin (porcine) subcutaneous:

Dosage: The recommended dose for dalteparin is 120 IU/kg injection, but not more than 10,000 IU every 12 hours with concurrent aspirin therapy.

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.
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.
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.

Warnings

Spinal/ epidural hematomas: People using this medication may bleed near the spinal cord after certain spinal procedures. Bleeding in this area can cause paralysis that lasts a long time or could become permanent.

Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as back pain, leg numbness/tingling/weakness, loss of control of the bowels or bladder (incontinence).

Side Effects

Common side effects:

Irritation,
bruising, and
pain at the injection site

This medication can cause bleeding if its effect on your blood clotting proteins is too much. Signs of bleeding, include:

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.

Precautions

Precautions:

Allergy: 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.
Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: serious active bleeding, artificial heart valves, bleeding or blood disorders (low platelet counts), certain eye problems (hypertensive or diabetic retinopathy), uncontrolled severe 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.
Alcohol intake: 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).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding.

Pregnancy risk: Category B. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Breastfeeding: This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions:

A product that may interact with this drug is: mifepristone.
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.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.Symptoms of overdose may include: excessive bleeding and bruising.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood counts including hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets, checking stool for blood) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Additional lab tests (anti-factor Xa blood levels) should be performed in certain cases, especially if you have kidney disease, are pregnant and have artificial heart valves, or to check if dalteparin is working well for you. 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 away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

After you first use a multiple-dose vial, store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Discard it after 2 weeks.

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.

Brands:

Also marketed as

Eurodal [ Gland Pharma ]