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Heparin Sodium Coupon - Heparin Sodium 1ml of 5000 units/ml vial

heparin sodium

Generic Lipo-Hepin
Used for Atrial Fibrillation, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism
Used for Atrial Fibrillation, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism

Heparin is a blood thinner that's used to treat and prevent blood clots and other clotting-related conditions. It's given as an injection through the veins or under the skin. Heparin works quickly, but requires regular blood tests to check how well it's working. The dose depends on several things, like your age, weight, and why you need heparin. This medication is typically used for people in the hospital, but there might be certain situations where you can use it at home. It's a safe medication with possible side effects like low red blood cells or bruising. But heparin can cause a serious problem called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 25, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Heparin?

What is Heparin used for?

How Heparin works

Heparin is an anticoagulant (or blood thinner). It blocks certain proteins in your blood that are responsible for forming blood clots. This helps prevent blood clots from getting bigger. It also lowers the risk of new blood clots from forming.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNo brands available
Drug ClassAnticoagulant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Heparin?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

The side effects from heparin that you experience will depend on how you receive the medication (through the vein or under the skin) and the dose.
  • Anemia (low red blood cells; 5%)
  • Bleeding (4%)
  • Fever (4%)
  • Swelling in arms or legs (2-4%)
  • Bruising (3%)
  • Nausea (2%)
  • Blood in urine (2%)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe bleeding: feeling faint, lightheadedness, dizziness, vomiting blood, bloody or dark-colored stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
  • Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT): skin changes or bruising, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, trouble speaking, numbness on one side of your body, vision problems
  • Serious allergic reaction: rash; trouble breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; vomiting; chills; fever
  • Blood clots due to stopping heparin too soon: leg or arm (e.g., swelling or redness in arms or legs, skin that's warm to touch); lungs (e.g., trouble breathing, chest pain, cough, irregular heartbeat)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain or swelling

back pain or backaches

bleeding from the gums when brushing teeth

blood in the urine

constipation

coughing up blood

dizziness

headaches, severe or continuing

heavy bleeding or oozing from cuts or wounds

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

menstrual bleeding, unexpected or unusually heavy

unexplained bruising or purplish areas on the skin

unexplained nosebleeds

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Rare

Blood under the skin (blood blister) at the place of injection

chest pain

chills or fever

fast or irregular breathing

irritation, pain, redness, or ulcers at the place of injection

itching and burning feeling, especially on the bottom of the feet

nausea or vomiting

numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

pain, coldness, or blue color of the skin on the arms or legs

peeling of the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes

shortness of breath

skin color change, especially near the place of injection or in the fingers, toes, arms, or legs

skin rash, hives, or itching

tearing of the eyes

tightness in the chest

trouble with breathing

wheezing

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of legs

pinpoint red spots on the skin

severe headaches of sudden onset

sudden loss of coordination

sudden shortness of breath for no apparent reason

sudden slurred speech

sudden vision changes

unusual bleeding or bruising

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Heparin

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to treat several types of blood clotting problems

Works quickly (immediately when given as a quick injection through the vein; within 2 hours when given under the skin)

Can use during pregnancy

Antidote (or reversal agent) available if you have severe bleeding from heparin

thumbs-down

Cons

Must have blood tests done on a regular basis

Only available as an injection, which can be uncomfortable

Can cause a serious low platelet condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)

Not a good option for people who have pork allergies

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Heparin

pharmacist

  • Mark your appointments on your calendar to see your provider and get your blood work done. This makes sure your providers can properly check to make sure heparin is working well for you and is safe for you.

    • It's important to let your surgeon and dentist know that you're taking heparin before any surgery is scheduled. This medication can raise your risk of bleeding during procedures. Your provider might give you specific instructions around the time of your scheduled surgery about when to stop using heparin.

      • Heparin can make it easier to bruise or bleed, and it can take longer for your body to stop any bleeding. Make sure to contact your provider if you have any unusual bleeding (e.g., blood in urine or stool, coughing up blood, vomiting blood) or bruising while taking this medication.

        • If you fall and hit your head hard, get medical help right away, especially if you have dizziness or severe headache. You might need a head scan to see whether you have a brain bleed.

          • Heparin can cause you to have very low platelets, sometimes occurring with blood clots. These serious problems can happen even several weeks after stopping heparin. Seek emergency medical help if you experience skin changes or bruising, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, trouble speaking, numbness on one side of your body, or vision problems.

            More tips for using heparin at home:

            • Your provider might allow you to give yourself heparin injections under your skin at home. Follow your provider's directions or carefully read the instructions for use (for the prefilled syringes) so you can give yourself the injections safely and properly. Make sure you have the correct strength and dose of heparin to prevent medication errors. Contact your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions on how to use this medication.

              • Inject heparin into the fat tissue under the skin of your stomach; this is the area that's most commonly used. Always rotate your injection sites for each dose. Repeated injections to the same area can lead to pain and damaged skin. Never inject heparin into your muscle.

                • Before injecting heparin, always check to make sure the medication is clear and colorless. If it's cloudy, discolored, or has many particles, don't use it. Contact your provider or pharmacist to see whether it's possible to get a replacement.

                  • Each heparin vial or prefilled syringe provides a single dose of medication. Throw away the syringe after using, even if there's still some medication remaining inside. Prefilled syringes don't contain any preservatives to keep germs out of the medication once they're opened.

                    • After giving yourself the medication, throw away the used syringe and needle in a sharps container or something made of heavy-duty plastic (e.g., empty milk carton, laundry detergent bottle). This lowers the risk of needle-stick injuries. Don't throw them away in your trash can. Learn more about how to throw away your sharps on the FDA's website.

                      • Store heparin at room temperature. Don't put the medication into the refrigerator.

                        faqs

                        Frequently asked questions about Heparin

                        How long does heparin stay in your system?
                        In general, heparin stays in your system for about 5 to 7.5 hours after you stop taking the medication, but it could be longer depending on your dose. Keep in mind that this time frame is estimated based on the half-life of heparin, a measure of how long it takes your body to remove the medication from your system.
                        Does heparin dissolve clots?
                        No, heparin doesn't actually dissolve or break apart blood clots that have already formed. Heparin prevents the blood clot from getting bigger and allows your body to break down the formed clot over time. It also lowers the risk of new blood clots from forming. If the clot is severe and needs to be broken right away, your provider might give you a medication that works to dissolve the clot before giving you heparin, depending on the situation. These medications are called fibrinolytics (or thrombolytics), and they include TNKase (tenecteplase) and alteplase (Activase).
                        What is the antidote for heparin?
                        The antidote (or reversal agent) for heparin is protamine. Protamine is given as an injection through the vein for people who have signs or symptoms or are at high risk of severe bleeding while receiving heparin. It works by attaching to heparin so heparin can't work anymore.
                        Does heparin affect INR?
                        It's possible for heparin to affect your international normalized ratio (INR), but not by much. INR is a blood test that tells how well your blood can clot, but this test is specific for measuring how well a different blood thinner called warfarin (Coumadin) works, not heparin. Instead, blood tests that measure how well heparin is working include activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), anti-factor Xa, and activated clotting time (ACT).
                        What does it mean to bridge with heparin?
                        The term "bridging anticoagulation" means taking two different blood thinners at the same time for a short period of time when switching from one to the other. This is sometimes required when you're switching from a short-acting blood thinner (e.g., heparin) to a long-acting blood thinner (e.g., warfarin (Coumadin)). Short-acting blood thinners work right away and are continued typically until the long-acting blood thinner kicks in. For example, you'll typically need to continue using heparin for at least 5 days when you first start warfarin (Coumadin). Once your INR is where it needs to be to make sure warfarin (Coumadin) is working well and safe for you, your provider will probably have you stop heparin. It's important to take both blood thinners together until your provider says it's safe for you to stop the short-acting blood thinner; otherwise, you're at risk for more clots.
                        Is heparin the same as enoxaparin (Lovenox)?
                        No. Both heparin and enoxaparin (Lovenox) are injectable blood thinners, but they're two completely different medications. They're used to prevent or treat the same types of blood clots. But they're each FDA approved for clotting problems in slightly different situations. For example, heparin can help prevent clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), whereas enoxaparin (Lovenox) is FDA approved for people who've had heart attacks. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is known as a low-molecular-weight heparin; it has a slightly different chemical structure than heparin that allows it to have longer-lasting effects. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is typically given once or twice per day, while heparin is given every 4 to 12 hours or by continuous infusion. Additionally, enoxaparin (Lovenox) doesn't require routine blood test monitoring, whereas heparin typically does. Speak with your provider to learn more about how both medications compare to each other.
                        Is heparin safe in pregnancy?
                        Yes, heparin is considered safe for pregnant women who need it. Additionally, several human studies have shown babies born to mothers given heparin weren't harmed and neither the baby nor mother had bleeding problems.
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                        What are the risks and warnings for Heparin?

                        Heparin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                        risk-warning

                        Risk of bleeding

                        • Risk factors: Taking other medications that raise the risk for bleeds | History of bleeding problems | Liver problems | Severe high blood pressure | Female and 60 years of age or older | Being on your period

                          Taking heparin can raise your risk for bleeds. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that can cause bleeding. If you do have a serious bleed from heparin use, your provider might be able to give you a medication called protamine to reverse the effects of heparin. Let your provider know if you have a fall, head injury, or other kinds of physical injury. They might need to check you for bleeding inside your body. Get medical help right away if you have dark or tarry stool, bleeds that are difficult to stop, or any unusual bleeding.

                          risk-warning

                          Low platelet counts and clotting problems

                          • Risk factors: History of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT)

                            Heparin can cause your platelet counts to go down. In rare cases, a low platelet count can occur along with a life-threatening condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT happens when the immune system makes antibodies that affect the function of platelets. This can cause blood clots to form in various parts of the body and lead to blockages in your veins or arteries, a condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT).

                            These platelet and clotting problems can occur up to several weeks after stopping heparin. If your platelets become very low or if you experience any blood clots during or after treatment, it's likely that heparin will be stopped and your providers will consider a different blood thinner for you if needed. Make sure you keep up with your lab work so your provider can keep track of your platelet counts. Get medical help right away if you experience any symptoms of blood clots during or after heparin treatment.

                            risk-warning

                            Risk of serious breathing problem in infants (gasping syndrome)

                            • Risk factors: Newborns | Infants with low birth weight | Pregnant females | Breastfeeding

                              Benzyl alcohol is one of the preservatives found in certain heparin products. This preservative can cause a rare, but serious and sometimes life-threatening medical condition called gasping syndrome. This condition is more likely to happen in newborns and infants with low birth weight. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your provider before receiving heparin, since your baby could potentially be exposed to benzyl alcohol in the womb or through your breast milk. Tell your provider if your child experiences any major weight changes while receiving heparin. Get medical attention right away if your child has symptoms, such as gasping, slowed heart rate, clammy skin, dizziness, seizures, slurred speech, or weakness in an arm or leg.

                              risk-warning

                              Severe allergic reactions

                              • Risk factors: Pork allergy

                                Severe allergic reactions to heparin are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Also, let your provider know if you have a pork allergy before taking this medication because heparin is made from porcine (pigs). If you notice difficulty breathing, a choking sensation, swelling around your eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, dizziness, or nausea after using heparin, get medical attention right away.

                                dosage

                                Heparin dosage forms

                                Typical dosing for Heparin

                                The dose of heparin varies from one person to another. Your provider will calculate your dose based on your age, weight, and why you need heparin. The dose will also depend on certain lab test results, including complete blood count (CBC) and those measuring how long it takes for your blood to clot.

                                Heparin is given as an injection into the veins (intravenous or IV) or under the skin (subcutaneous or SC). It's typically given in a hospital or at home by a healthcare provider. But if your provider says it's safe to do so, they might allow you to give yourself under-the-skin heparin injections at home.

                                Prevention of blood clots
                                The typical dose is 5,000 units injected under the skin every 8 to 12 hours.

                                Treatment of blood clots
                                The dose is based on your weight, the reason you need heparin, and certain lab values that measure how long it takes your blood to clot. It also depends on whether heparin is given to you as a continuous infusion through the veins, an injection into the veins at regular time intervals, or an injection under the skin.

                                Hospitals typically have a specific protocol or program in place that outlines how to monitor and change the heparin dose based on these lab values so it works well and is as safe for you as possible.

                                The following are general dosing options and how often heparin is given:

                                • Adults

                                  • Continuous infusion through the veins: After the first dose, the medication is infused continuously.

                                  • Intermittent injection into the veins: After the first dose, the medication is given IV every 4 to 6 hours.

                                  • Injection under the skin: First, the medication is given IV once, followed by an injection under the skin once. Then, the medication is injected under the skin every 8 hours or every 12 hours.

                                • Children

                                  • Continuous infusion through the veins: After the first dose, the medication is infused continuously.

                                More on Heparin dosage forms

                                Health: Heparin-sodium: closeup syringe and vial 665515600

                                Heparin Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

                                Written by Rachel Feaster, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS
                                interactions

                                Interactions between Heparin and other drugs

                                Heparin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Heparin. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                                • Defibrotide
                                • Oritavancin
                                • Telavancin

                                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                • Chondroitin
                                • Coenzyme Q10
                                • Curcumin
                                • Dong Quai
                                • Ginger
                                • Palifermin
                                • Vitamin A
                                • Warfarin
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                                contraindications-icon

                                Heparin contraindications

                                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Heparin will not be safe for you to take.
                                alternatives

                                What are alternatives to Heparin?

                                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Heparin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                Heparin
                                Used for:
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                                Fondaparinux (Arixtra)
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                                Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
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                                images

                                Heparin images

                                colorless - Heparin Sodium 5,000unit / mL Solution for Injection
                                This medicine is Colorless Vial.colorless - Heparin Sodium 5,000unit / mL Solution for Injection
                                This medicine is Colorless Vial.
                                This medicine is Colorless Vial.
                                This medicine is Colorless Vial.
                                This medicine is Colorless Vial.
                                This medicine is Colorless Vial.
                                colorless - Heparin Sodium 5,000unit / mL Solution for Injection
                                This medicine is Colorless Vial.colorless - Heparin Sodium 5,000unit / mL Solution for Injection
                                colorless - Heparin Sodium 5,000unit / mL Solution for Injection
                                This medicine is Colorless Vial.colorless - Heparin Sodium 5,000unit / mL Solution for Injection

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                                References

                                Best studies we found

                                Ageno, W. et al. (2012). Oral anticoagulant therapy. Chest.

                                Ahmed, I. et al. (2007). Heparin induced thrombocytopenia: diagnosis and management update. Postgraduate Medical Journal.

                                Baig, M. U., et al. (2022). Thrombolytic therapy. StatPearls.

                                View All References (29)

                                Baglin, T. P. (2001). Heparin induced thrombocytopenia thrombosis (HIT/T) syndrome: Diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Clinical Pathology.

                                Baroletti, S. A., et al. (2006). Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Circulation.

                                Bates, S. M., et al. (2005). Coagulation assays. Circulation.

                                Bates, S. M., et al. (2016). Guidance for the treatment and prevention of obstetric-associated venous thromboembolism. Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis.

                                BRIDGE Study Investigators. (2012). Bridging anticoagulation. Circulation.

                                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Know the risks, signs & symptoms of blood clots.

                                Cook B. W. (2010). Anticoagulation management. Seminars in Interventional Radiology.

                                Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC. (2023). Protamine sulfate- protamine sulfate injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                Gehrie, E., et al. (2011). Test of the month: The chromogenic antifactor Xa assay. American Journal of Hematology.

                                Genentech, Inc. (2022). Activase- alteplase kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                Hajouli S. (2020). Massive fatal pulmonary embolism while on therapeutic heparin drip. Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports.

                                Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. (2022). Heparin sodium injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                Kearon, C., et al. (1998). Effect of warfarin on activated partial thromboplastin time in patients receiving heparin. Journal of the American Medical Association.

                                Kim, H. (2017). Effective method for drug injection into subcutaneous tissue. Scientific Reports.

                                Korpi-Steiner, N. L., et al. (2017). Comparison of point-of-care activated clotting time methods in different clinical settings in a large academic medical center. The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine.

                                Medgen. (n.d.). Gasping syndrome. U.S. National Library of Medicine.

                                MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test.

                                MedlinePlus. (2021). Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

                                MedlinePlus. (2021). Drug-induced thrombocytopenia.

                                Mohammady, M., et al. (2021). Slow versus fast subcutaneous heparin injections for prevention of bruising and site pain intensity. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

                                National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

                                National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Thrombocytopenia.

                                National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Dialysis.

                                Nicolas, D., et al. (2023). Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. StatPearls.

                                Nutescu, E. A., et al. (2016). Pharmacology of anticoagulants used in the treatment of venous thromboembolism. Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis.

                                Solari, F., et al. (2022). Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). StatPearls.

                                U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Safely using sharps (needles and syringes) at home, at work and on travel.

                                Warnock, L. B., et al. (2022). Heparin. StatPearls.

                                Zagouri, F., et al. (2020). Supportive medication in cancer during pregnancy. BioMed Central Pregnancy and Childbirth.

                                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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