Heparin Sodium
NDC 71288-421
Product Information
Heparin Sodium is a ANDA-approved product labeled by Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc.. This medication is used to prevent and treat blood clots. It is supplied as a product. This product entry covers the primary NDC 71288-421 and its associated package configuration. This profile includes active and inactive ingredient UNII references and FDA labeling data.
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Patient Education
Heparin Injection
Heparin is used to prevent blood clots from forming in people who have certain medical conditions or who are undergoing certain medical procedures that increase the chance that clots will form. Heparin is also used to stop the growth of clots that have already formed in the blood vessels, but it cannot be used to decrease the size of clots that have already formed. Heparin is also used in small amounts to prevent blood clots from forming in catheters (small plastic tubes through which medication can be administered or blood drawn) that are left in veins over a period of time. Heparin is in a class of medications called anticoagulants ('blood thinners'). It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood.
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Blood Thinners
What are blood thinners?
Blood thinners are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming. They do not break up clots that you already have. But they can stop those clots from getting bigger. It's important to treat blood clots, because clots in your blood vessels and heart can cause heart attacks, strokes, and blockages.
Who needs blood thinners?
You may need a blood thinner if you have:
- Certain heart or blood vessel diseases
- An abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation
- A heart valve replacement
- A risk of blood clots after surgery
- Congenital heart defects
What are the different types of blood thinners?
There are different types of blood thinners:
- Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin), slow down your body's process of making clots.
- Antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Antiplatelets are mainly taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke.
How can I take blood thinners safely?
When you take a blood thinner, follow the directions carefully. Blood thinners may interact with certain foods, medicines, vitamins, and alcohol. Make sure that your health care provider knows all of the medicines and supplements you are using.
You may need regular blood tests to check how well your blood is clotting. It is important to make sure that you're taking enough medicine to prevent clots, but not so much that it causes bleeding.
What are the side effects of blood thinners?
Bleeding is the most common side effect of blood thinners. They can also cause an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea.
Other possible side effects can depend on which type of blood thinner that you are taking.
Call your provider if you have any sign of serious bleeding, such as:
- Menstrual bleeding that is much heavier than normal
- Red or brown urine
- Bowel movements that are red or black
- Bleeding from the gums or nose that does not stop quickly
- Vomit that is brown or bright red
- Coughing up something red
- Severe pain, such as a headache or stomachache
- Unusual bruising
- A cut that does not stop bleeding
- A serious fall or bump on the head
- Dizziness or weakness
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