Dalteparin Sodium (Porcine) Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

DALTEPARIN (dal te PA rin) is used in combination with aspirin to prevent complications caused by unstable angina or heart attack. This medicine may be given to prevent blood clots in patients having a hip-replacement or abdominal surgery. It may also be used during the first few days after any surgery when patients are not able to walk. This is when blood clots are most likely to form.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bleeding from the injection site

• difficulty breathing

• dizziness or fainting spells

• fever

• heavy menstrual bleeding

• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as back or stomach pain, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, or coughing up blood

• unusual bruising or bleeding like bleeding gums, red spots on the skin, nosebleeds

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• pain or irritation at the injection site

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• agents that dissolve blood clots, like heparin

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines (unless being used for angina or heart attack)

• blood thinners such as warfarin

• mifepristone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• abciximab

• eptifibatide

• lamifiban

• other medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots

• tirofiban

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at controlled room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders, hemorrhage, or hemophilia

• brain tumor or aneurysm

• high blood pressure

• infection of the heart or heart valves

• kidney or liver disease

• previous stroke

• recent injury, surgery, or delivery of baby

• ulcer in the stomach or intestine, diverticulitis, or other bowel disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dalteparin, heparin, pork or pork products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Notify your doctor or health care professional and seek emergency treatment if you develop increased difficulty in breathing, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or arms, abdominal pain, decreased vision, pain when walking, or pain and warmth of the arms or legs. These can be signs that your condition has gotten worse.

Monitor your skin closely for easy bruising or red spots. These can be signs of bleeding. If you notice easy bruising or bleeding from the nose, gums/teeth, in your urine, or stool, contact your doctor or health care professional right away. This means that your medication needs adjustment or evaluation. Keep scheduled appointments with your doctor or health care professional to check on your condition.

If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have received this medicine.

Be careful to avoid injury while you are using this medicine. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth, shaving, cutting your fingernails or toenails, or when using sharp objects. Report any injuries to your doctor or health care professional.