Dalteparin



FragminŽ







Dalteparin

(dal TE pa rin)

U.S. Brand Names
FragminŽ
Canadian Brand Names
FragminŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Low Molecular Weight Heparin
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • People who have had recent spinal anesthesia, epidurals, or spinal taps are more likely to have bleeding problems when started on this medicine. This bleeding rarely happens, but can be severe. Tell healthcare provider if you have had any spinal procedures. Do not take any other blood-thinner medicines including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to dalteparin or any other part of this medicine.
  • If you are allergic to pork products, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Bleeding problems or low platelet count.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form.
How does it work?
  • Dalteparin changes the body's clotting system. It thins the blood to prevent clots from forming.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
  • Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Move site where you give the shot with each shot.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • You may bleed more easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • Use caution to prevent injury and avoid falls or accidents.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
  • Bleeding problems.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Signs or symptoms of bleeding.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Falls or accidents, especially if you hit your head. Talk with healthcare provider even if you feel fine.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Severe headache.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: