Friday 10 August 2012

Innohep


Generic Name: tinzaparin (tin ZA pa rin)

Brand Names: Innohep


What is Innohep (tinzaparin)?

Tinzaparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots.


Tinzaparin is used together with warfarin (Coumadin) to treat a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).


Tinzaparin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Innohep (tinzaparin)?


You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tinzaparin, heparin, sulfites, benzyl alcohol, or pork products, or if you have active bleeding or a history of low platelet counts after receiving heparin.

Tinzaparin may cause you to bleed more easily, especially if you have: a bleeding disorder, hemorrhagic stroke, an infection in the lining of your heart, uncontrolled high blood pressure, stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcer, kidney disease, liver failure, amyloidosis (a build-up of certain proteins in tissues and organs of the body), or if you have had recent brain, spine, or eye surgery.


Tinzaparin can cause a very serious blood clot around your brain or spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural), especially if you have a genetic spinal defect, a history of spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps, or if you are using other medications to treat or prevent blood clots. Symptoms of this type of blood clot include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or loss of movement. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using tinzaparin. Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can increase your risk of bleeding or life-threatening blood clots, and it is very important to tell your doctor about all medicines you have recently used.

Blood clots around the brain or spinal cord may occur if you use tinzaparin with other drugs that can affect blood clotting, including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin, and any other medications to treat or prevent blood clots.


Tell your caregivers at once if you have signs of bleeding such as black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, confusion, feeling like you might pass out, or any bleeding that will not stop.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Innohep (tinzaparin)?


You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tinzaparin, heparin, sulfites, benzyl alcohol, or pork products, or if you have:

  • active or uncontrolled bleeding; or




  • if you have ever had low platelet counts after receiving heparin.



Tinzaparin may cause you to bleed more easily, especially if you have:



  • a bleeding disorder that is inherited or caused by disease;




  • hemorrhagic stroke;




  • an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis);




  • uncontrolled high blood pressure;




  • stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcer;



  • liver failure;

  • kidney disease (especially if you are an older adult);


  • recent brain, spine, or eye surgery; or




  • amyloidosis (a build-up of certain proteins in tissues and organs of the body).




Tinzaparin can cause a very serious blood clot around your brain or spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural). This type of blood clot could cause long-term paralysis, and may be more likely to occur if you have:

  • a genetic spinal defect;




  • a history of spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps; or




  • if you are using other medications to treat or prevent blood clots.



If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a tinzaparin dose adjustment or special tests:



  • recent stomach ulcer; or




  • eye problems caused by diabetes.




FDA pregnancy category B. Tinzaparin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, some forms of this medication contain a preservative that may be harmful to a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether tinzaparin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Innohep (tinzaparin)?


Tinzaparin must not be used as a substitute for heparin. These two drugs are manufactured differently and have different dosages.

Tinzaparin is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.


You should be sitting or lying down during the injection. Do not inject tinzaparin into a muscle or a vein.

Use a different place on your stomach each time you give the injection. Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject the medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.


Prepare your dose in a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.


Use a disposable needle only once. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.


Tinzaparin is usually given every day until your bleeding condition improves. Follow your doctor's instructions.


To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and your stool (bowel movement) may need to be tested often. Your nerve and muscle function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.


Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using tinzaparin. If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using this medication. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause excessive bleeding.


What should I avoid while using Innohep (tinzaparin)?


Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Innohep (tinzaparin) side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using tinzaparin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), bleeding from wounds or needle injections, any bleeding that will not stop;




  • easy bruising, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;




  • pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;




  • black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;




  • numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness (especially in your legs and feet);




  • loss of movement in any part of your body;




  • sudden weakness, severe headache, confusion, or problems with speech, vision, or balance;




  • chest pain; or




  • pain or burning when you urinate.



Less serious side effects may include:



  • mild headache, dizziness;




  • back pain;




  • fever;




  • pain, irritation, swelling, or bruising of the skin where the medicine was injected;




  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas;




  • diarrhea, constipation;




  • mild skin rash; or




  • sleep problems (insomnia).



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect Innohep (tinzaparin)?


Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can increase your risk of bleeding, and it is very important to tell your doctor about all medicines you have recently used. Bleeding or blood clots around the brain or spinal cord may occur if you use tinzaparin with other drugs that can affect blood clotting, such as:

  • dextran (Gentran, Hyskon);




  • heparin;




  • abciximab (ReoPro), eptifibatide (Integrelin), tirofiban (Aggrastat);




  • cilostazol (Pletal), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine, Aggrenox), prasugrel (Effient), ticlopidine (Ticlid);




  • dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), fondaparinux (Arixtra);




  • argatroban (Acova), bivalirudin (Angiomax), lepirudin (Refludan);




  • alteplase (Activase), tenecteplase (TNKase), urokinase (Abbokinase);




  • an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others; or




  • salicylates such as aspirin, Backache Relief Extra Strength, Novasal, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Doan's Pills Extra Strength, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, and others.



This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with tinzaparin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Innohep resources


  • Innohep Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Innohep Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Innohep Drug Interactions
  • Innohep Support Group
  • 1 Review for Innohep - Add your own review/rating


  • Innohep Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Innohep Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Innohep Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Innohep MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Innohep with other medications


  • Deep Vein Thrombosis


Where can I get more information?


  • Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about tinzaparin.

See also: Innohep side effects (in more detail)


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