What is dalteparin?
Dalteparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots.
Dalteparin is used to treat or prevent blood clots in the veins, arteries, or lung that can be caused by cancer or certain heart conditions. Dalteparin is also used before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Dalteparin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I use dalteparin?
Dalteparin is given as an injection under the skin of your stomach, upper thigh, or buttocks. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to inject your medicine at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and syringes used in giving the medicine.
You should be sitting or lying down while receiving a dalteparin injection.
Use a different place on your body each time you give yourself an injection. Your doctor will show you the places on your body where you can safely inject dalteparin. Do not inject this medicine into the same place two times in a row.
If you are using a single-dose prefilled syringe, follow the injection instructions closely. Single-dose syringes come in two different types and the directions for use are not the same for each type.
Use each needle and syringe only one time. Throw away used needles and syringes in a puncture-proof container. If your medicine does not come with such a container, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Your pharmacist can tell you how to properly dispose of the container.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using dalteparin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. Store dalteparin vials (bottles) at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Once you have used a vial for the first time, the medicine will keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Throw away the vial after 2 weeks have passed since you first used the vial, even if there is still medicine left in it.
Do not use any medication that is discolored or that has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a dalteparin overdose may include bruising, nosebleed, blood in your urine or stools, or any bleeding that will not stop.
What should I avoid while using dalteparin?
Avoid taking aspirin while you are receiving dalteparin unless your doctor recommends it as part of your treatment. Aspirin can increase your risk of bleeding.
Dalteparin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; itching or burning skin; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
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any bleeding that will not stop;
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blood in your urine or stools, black or tarry stools;
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coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
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bruising, bleeding, swelling, or skin changes where the medicine was injected;
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nausea, sweating, feeling light-headed, fainting;
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sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
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sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
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pain or swelling in one or both legs; or
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trouble breathing.
Less serious side effects include mild pain, redness, or warmth where the medicine was injected. |
