BRAND NAME(S): Hep-Lock, Liquaemin
USES: This medication is an anticoagulant which prevents the blood from clotting. It is used to prevent and treat venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and other conditions of blood clotting.
HOW TO USE: This medication is administered by a health care professional either as an injection or infused slowly into a vein over a period time. Blood tests will be done routinely to determine the appropriate dose.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause irritation, pain, redness or swelling at the injection site. If these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop signs of a possible allergy: chills, fever, itchy skin, rash. Bleeding must be monitored for it may indicate the dose is too high. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following while using this medication: easy bruising, nose bleed, dark and tarry stools, blood in urine, a bleeding episode. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: blood disorders, bleeding episodes, heart disease, ulcers, liver disease, kidney disease, any allergies. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death), if given in large amounts (more than 100 mg/kg daily) to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is also greater with low birth weight infants. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
