dalteparin

What is the most important information I should know about dalteparin?

Dalteparin can cause a very serious blood clot around your spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural), especially if you have a genetic spinal defect, a history of spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps, or if you are using other drugs that can affect blood clotting, including blood thinners or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, and others). This type of blood clot can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis.

What is dalteparin?

Dalteparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots.

Dalteparin is used together with aspirin to prevent blood vessel complications in people with certain types of angina (chest pain) or heart attack.

Dalteparin is also used to prevent a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). A DVT can occur after certain types of surgery, or in people who are bed-ridden due to a prolonged illness.

Dalteparin is also used long-term to treat a type of blood clot called venous thromboembolism (VTE) in people with cancer.

Dalteparin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using dalteparin?

• active or uncontrolled bleeding; or
• a history of blood clot or low levels of platelets in your blood while using heparin.

Dalteparin may cause you to bleed more easily, especially if you have:

• a bleeding disorder that is inherited or caused by disease;
• hemorrhagic stroke;
• an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis);
• uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcer; or
• recent brain, spine, or eye surgery.

• you have a genetic spinal defect;
• you have a spinal cord injury;
• you have a spinal catheter in place or if a catheter has been recently removed;
• you have a history of spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps;
• you have recently had a spinal tap or epidural anesthesia;
• you take an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or
• you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin) or other medicines to treat or prevent blood clots.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• eye problems caused by diabetes or high blood pressure;
• severe liver or kidney disease;
• recent stomach bleeding;
• low levels of platelets in your blood; or
• if you have recently had a spinal tap or epidural anesthesia.

How should I use dalteparin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

When used for DVT or blood vessel complications, dalteparin is usually given every day until your bleeding condition improves. When used for VTE, dalteparin is often used for several months.

Dalteparin is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Your healthcare provider will show you where on your body to inject dalteparin. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

You should be sitting or lying down during the injection. Do not inject dalteparin into a muscle.

If you use a single-dose prefilled syringe, follow the injection instructions closely. Single-dose syringes come in two different types and the directions for use are not the same for each type.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Once you have used a dalteparin vial (bottle) for the first time, you may use that vial for up to 2 weeks. Throw the vial away after 2 weeks, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using dalteparin?

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

What are the possible side effects of dalteparin?

• unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), bleeding from wounds or needle injections, any bleeding that will not stop;
• easy bruising, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• sudden weakness, severe headache, confusion, or problems with speech, vision, or balance; or
• trouble breathing.

Common side effects may include:

• low platelet levels (bruising, bleeding); or
• pain, bruising, or swelling where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect dalteparin?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots.

Other drugs may affect dalteparin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about dalteparin.