Uses
Danaparoid is used to prevent harmful blood clots, especially in patients who have had or are having a certain bad reaction to heparin (Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia-HIT). Preventing harmful blood clots helps to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack. This medication helps keep your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the activity of certain substances in the blood that cause clotting. Danaparoid is an anticoagulant (commonly called a "blood thinner").
Conditions that increase your risk of developing blood clots include certain types of surgeries (such as hip replacement or abdominal surgery) and long periods of being in one position (immobile). For some medical conditions, danaparoid may be used with other "blood thinners."
How To Use
This medication is given by injection under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day. Do not inject into a muscle. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. For some conditions, this medication may be injected into a vein by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. To minimize bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Nausea, constipation, fever, headache, weakness, or pain/redness/irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication can cause bleeding if its effect is too strong. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious signs of bleeding, including:
- unusual pain/swelling/discomfort
- unusual/prolonged bleeding
- unusual/easy bruising
- dark urine
- black stools
- severe headache
- confusion
- vision changes
- unusual dizziness
- fainting
- seizures
- weakness
- numbness
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using danaparoid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to heparins or pork products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- artificial heart valves
- bleeding/blood problems
- certain eye problems (hemorrhagic or diabetic retinopathy)
- high blood pressure
- infection of the heart
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- certain stomach/intestinal problems (such as current or recent ulcers)
- stroke
- recent spinal procedures/puncture/surgery
- recent eye/ear/brain surgery
- asthma
Limit alcohol while taking this drug because it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication can rarely cause heavy bleeding. Be very careful to avoid injuries (for example, due to contact sports). Use an electric razor when shaving and a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is:
This medication is sometimes used with other drugs that have "blood-thinning" or anti-platelet effects such as acenocoumarol, aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin. When these combinations are prescribed by your doctor, you will require closer monitoring to lessen your risk of bleeding. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) that can increase the risk of bleeding/anti-platelet effect when used with danaparoid. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention or to prevent clotting of artificial heart valves (usually 81-162 milligrams a day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusual bleeding and bruising.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, blood pressure, anti-factor Xa blood levels) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature away from light. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
