Certoparin

Certoparin (Sandoparin&reg;, Embolex&reg;, Novartis) is a low molecular weight heparin, primarily active against factor Xa. Like other low molecular weight heparins, it is used to prevent deep venous thrombosis.

Mechanism of action:

Certoparin is a low molecular weight heparin. Heparin and certoparin (anticoagulants) work by interfering with the body's natural blood clotting mechanism. This mechanism involves a series of complex pathways. Heparin and certoparin inactivate a compound in this pathway called thrombin, which plays an important role in blood clot formation. Therefore, heparin and certoparin prevent the formation of blood clots in the body and breakdown pre-existing blood clots. Certoparin has many advantages over normal heparin. These include a more effective anticoagulant effect and reduced risk of bleeding. Certoparin is given by injection under the skin, and is used for the treatment of blood clots in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and the prevention of blood clots following surgery.

Side effects:

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Allergy to active ingredients (hypersensitivity) Alteration in results of liver function tests Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) with long term use Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia) Bleeding at injection site The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.