danaparoid

There is a risk of bleeding in the spinal or epidural space, possibly resulting in paralysis, when danaparoid is used along with spinal or epidural anesthesia or spinal puncture. This risk may be increased by the use of indwelling epidural catheters or by the concomitant use of drugs that affect blood clotting.

Do not inject this medication intramuscularly (into the muscle) or intravenously (into the vein).

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and others), indomethacin (Indocin), or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication without first talking to your doctor. These medicines may lead to bleeding when taken with danaparoid. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication.

Danaparoid is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Danaparoid prevents the formation of blood clots.

Danaparoid is used to prevent blood clot formation following hip replacement surgery.

Danaparoid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

You should not use danaparoid if you

• have a very low level of platelets in your blood,
• have uncontrolled active bleeding,
• have an allergy to pork products, or
• cannot have accurate blood testing done prior to and during dosing.

Before using danaparoid, tell your doctor if you

• have bacterial endocarditis,
• have high blood pressure that is not being controlled,
• need to have surgery or another invasive procedure,
• have hemophilia or another blood disorder,
• have a stomach ulcer,
• have liver disease, or
• have kidney disease.

You may not be able to use danaparoid, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Danaparoid (Normiflo) is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not likely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use danaparoid without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether danaparoid passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use danaparoid exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Danaparoid must be used as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.

Do not inject this medication intramuscularly (into a muscle) or intravenously (into a vein).

Your doctor or nurse will give you detailed instructions on how to inject danaparoid. It should be injected into the fat of the stomach. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Sit or lie down before receiving an injection. Lift a fold of skin and insert the needle completely into the fold at a 45 to 90 degree angle. Continue to pinch the skin until the injection is complete. To lessen bruising, do not rub the area after injecting the medication.

Do not use any medication that is discolored or that has particles in it.

Do not stop using this medication without first talking to your doctor.

Store danaparoid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and use only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

Notify your doctor if you miss a dose of danaparoid.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an overdose include unusual bleeding from wounds or injection sites; nosebleeds; black, bloody, or tarry stools; blood in the urine; and easy bruising or bleeding.

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and others), indomethacin (Indocin), or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication without first talking to your doctor. These medicines may lead to bleeding when taken with danaparoid. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using danaparoid, and seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• any prolonged or unexplained bleeding;
• pain, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg, or difficulty breathing, which could indicate a blood clot; or
• ulceration at the injection site.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use danaparoid and notify your doctor if you experience

• mild pain, redness, or warmth at the injection site;
• rash or itching;
• fever;
• difficulty urinating;
• dizziness;
• nausea or vomiting;
• constipation;
• swelling or water retention;
• insomnia; or
• headache.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

There is a risk of bleeding in the spinal or epidural space, possibly resulting in paralysis, when danaparoid is used along with spinal or epidural anesthesia or spinal puncture. This risk may be increased by the use of indwelling epidural catheters or by the concomitant use of drugs that affect blood clotting.

Do not take danaparoid with any of the following medicines without first talking to your doctor:

• aspirin,
• ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and others), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ketorolac (Toradol), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication;
• warfarin (Coumadin);
• aspirin and dipyridamole (Aggrenox);
• ticlopidine (Ticlid) or clopidogrel (Plavix); or
• dipyridamole (Persantine).

The drugs listed above may increase the effects of danaparoid, which could become dangerous. You may not be able to take danaparoid, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with danaparoid. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before using any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Your pharmacist has additional information about danaparoid written for health professionals that you may read.

Danaparoid is available with a prescription under the brand name Orgaran. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.