Tinzaparin is a blood-thinning medicine that reduces the formation of harmful blood clots in your body.
This medicine is used to treat deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in a lung artery). It is also used to prevent blood clots before and after surgery.
Tinzaparin may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Tinzaparin is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse may administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use Tinzaparin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1 inch away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button).
Do not administer into areas with visible blood vessels or areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, or scarred. Do not inject into a muscle.
This medicine is available as a pre-filled syringe. Make sure you know how to use the device. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Tinzaparin.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of thrombocytopenia (lower than normal platelet count) caused by the use of heparin (blood-thinning medicine)
- inflammation of the lining of the heart and heart valves
- active serious bleeding or any condition that may make you bleed severely e.g. haemophilia (an inherited bleeding disorder which causes the blood to not clot properly)
- recent injury or surgery involving the brain, spinal cord, or eyes
- uncontrolled severe high blood pressure
as Tinzaparin may not be suitable for you.
If you are going for a surgical procedure where you have to undergo anaesthesia (medicines to block pain and sensation) administered in the spine, alert your doctor that you are using Tinzaparin, especially when treating blood clots.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- have an artificial heart valve
- history of thrombocytopenia that is inherited or caused by use of other drugs
- history of ulcer in the stomach or bowel
- diabetes
- high potassium levels in the blood
- metabolic acidosis (a condition when there is too much acid in the blood)
- extreme body weight (<45 kg or >120 kg)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before administering Tinzaparin to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have other operations, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, kidney function, stool examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs or symptoms of bleeding may also be needed.
Tinzaparin may cause any of the following side effects: pain, itching, swelling, and bruising at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual bleeding or bruising, bleeding that takes a long time to stop, coughing up blood, passing out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, dabigatran, apixaban
- NSAIDS (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac
- medicines that help dissolve blood clots e.g. streptokinase
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Tinzaparin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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