Dalteparin

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form. There are a variety of medical conditions where this is needed.

How does it work?

• Dalteparin thins the blood by changing the body's clotting system.

How is it best taken?

• This medicine is given by a needle into the fatty part of the skin. Talk with healthcare provider to show you how to give the shot.
• Throw away needles in red box and return box to healthcare provider when full.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear drug medical alert identification for blood thinner.
• If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, tell healthcare provider.
• You will have a tendency to bleed more easily. Use caution to prevent injury and avoid falls or accidents. Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers about this medicine.
• Avoid other blood thinners (aspirin, aspirin-containing products, ibuprofen or like products, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, vitamin E) unless approved by 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, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Bleeding problems. This includes nosebleeds, coughing up blood, blood in the urine or stool, or bruising.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for a change in condition. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Watch for signs and symptoms of bleeding. If any, report them to healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist every 6 months.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe headache.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Blood in the stool and toilet bowl, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood.
• Any falls or accidents, especially if you hit your head. Talk with healthcare provider even if you feel fine.
• Any rash.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

General statements

• 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, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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