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Brand names: Innohep®

Español:
• Inyección de tinzaparina

Tinzaparin injection

What is tinzaparin injection?

TINZAPARIN (Innohep®) is used to treat blood clots in the lungs or in the veins. Tinzaparin is similar to heparin. Tinzaparin is known as an anticoagulant, and is sometimes called a blood thinner. However, tinzaparin does not actually thin the blood, but decreases the ability of blood to form clots. Generic tinzaparin injections are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma
• bleeding disorders, hemorrhage, or hemophilia
• blood disease or low blood counts
• decreased kidney function
• infection of the heart or heart valves
• liver disease
• receiving injections of medications or vitamins
• recent surgery or delivery of a baby
• ulcer in the stomach or intestine, diverticulitis, or other bowel disease
• undergoing treatments for cancer
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tinzaparin, heparin, benzyl alcohol, sulfites, pork or pork products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Tinzaparin is for injection under the skin. A health-care professional usually gives tinzaparin in a hospital or clinic; however, you or a family member may be trained on how to give the injections. If you are to give yourself injections, make sure you understand how to use the syringe, measure the dose if necessary, give the injection, and how to dispose of used syringes and needles. Use the syringes only once, and throw away syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks. Use exactly as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, and try not to miss doses.

To avoid bruising, do not rub the site where tinzaparin has been injected.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important to administer tinzaparin at regular intervals as prescribed by your health care professional. Give the missed doses as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not use double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with tinzaparin?

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®), ketoprofen (Orudis-KT®), ketorolac (Toradol®), and others
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines (salicylates)
• cilostazol
• clopidogrel
• dextran
• dipyridamole
• fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements
• some herbal medicines, like garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, or horse chestnut supplements
• sulfinpyrazone
• thrombolytics (drugs used to treat a heart attack such as TPA or streptokinase)
• ticlopidine
• tromethamine
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking tinzaparin?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving tinzaparin. Notify your prescriber or health care professional and seek emergency treatment if you develop increased difficulty in breathing, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or arms, abdominal pain, decreased vision, pain when walking, or pain and warmth of the arms or legs. These can be signs that your condition has worsened.

Monitor your skin closely for easy bruising or red spots, which can indicate bleeding. If you notice easy bruising or minor bleeding from the nose, gums/teeth, in your urine, or stool, contact your prescriber or health care professional immediately, these are indications that your medication needs adjustment or evaluation. Keep scheduled appointments with your prescriber or health care professional to check on your condition.

If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you have received tinzaparin.

Do not take aspirin or aspirin-like products (ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen) while using tinzaparin unless directed to do so by your prescriber.

Be careful to avoid injury while you are using tinzaparin. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth, shaving, cutting your fingernails or toenails, or when using sharp objects. Report any injuries to your prescriber or health care professional.

What side effects might I notice from receiving tinzaparin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as back or stomach pain, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, or coughing up blood
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness or fainting spells
• heavy menstrual bleeding
More frequent:
• bleeding from the injection site
• fever
• unusual bruising or bleeding: bleeding gums, red spots on the skin, nosebleeds

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• pain or irritation at the injection site
• skin rash, itching

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.