Heparin Flush Injection 10 units/mL, 100 units/mL (patient information)

About your treatment
Your doctor has ordered heparin flush, an anticoagulant ('blood thinner'), to prevent the formation of clots that could block your intravenous (IV) catheter.

You will probably use heparin flush several times a day. Your health care provider will determine the number of heparin flushes you will need a day.

Precautions
Before administering heparin flush:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to heparin, any other drugs, or pork products.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) and vitamins.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease or a bleeding disorder.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking heparin flush, call your doctor.
 * if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking heparin flush.

Administering your medication
Before you administer heparin flush, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Do not use the solution if it is discolored or if it contains particles. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.

It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not administer it more often than or for longer periods than your doctor tells you. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider. Your health care provider may tell you to stop the infusion if you have a mechanical problem (such as blockage in the tubing, needle or catheter); if you have to stop an infusion, call your health care provider immediately so your therapy can continue.

Minor side effects
Heparin flush may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if the following symptom is severe or does not go away:


 * irritation at the injection site

Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * skin rash or peeling
 * unusual bleeding or bruising
 * blood in urine or stools

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storing your medication
Your health care provider will probably give you several days supply of heparin. You will be told how to prepare each dose.

Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.

Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of the reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Signs of infection
You need to know the symptoms of a catheter-related infection (an infection where the needle enters your vein or skin). If you experience any of these effects near your intravenous catheter, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:


 * tenderness
 * warmth
 * irritation
 * drainage
 * redness
 * swelling
 * pain

Brand names

 * HepFlush®-10
 * Hep-Lock® U/P
 * Hep-Pak® Lock Flush