Tinzaparin (Injection)

Tinzaparin (tin-ZA-pa-rin)

Treats or prevents blood clots.

Brand Name(s):

Innohep
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tinzaparin, heparin, sulfites, benzyl alcohol, or pork, or if you currently have major bleeding or have ever had bleeding problems caused by heparin.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, usually around your abdomen.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor, pharmacist, or home health caregiver for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using dipyridamole (Persantine®, Aggrenox®), sulfinpyrazone (Anturane®), dextran, any other blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketorolac, Advil®, Aleve®, Daypro®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, Toradol®, Voltaren®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have bleeding problems, kidney disease, liver disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, ulcer, diabetes-related eye disease, or a history of stroke or spinal injury, or if you have recently had brain, spine, or eye surgery.
• There are additional risks when using this medicine if you have a catheter inserted in your back. A catheter is a tube for delivering pain medicine or anesthesia (sometimes called an "epidural"). Discuss this with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Painful or prolonged erection of the penis
• Sudden back pain, weakness, numbness in the legs or lower body
• Sudden or severe pain
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nosebleeds
• Redness, pain, or bruising where the shot was given
• Unusual vaginal bleeding

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.