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Haemorrhage is the major risk of heparin therapy and may range from minor local ecchymoses to major haemorrhagic complications.
Delayed onset thrombocytopenia is also a possible complication of heparin therapy. If this occurs, the drug should be withdrawn immediately.
Skin necrosis has infrequently been reported at injection sites. It is thought to be a localised manifestation of heparin induced platelet aggregation and thrombosis and should be taken as a warning sign in patients who develop it. Heparin should be discontinued immediately. Allergic reactions to heparin occur rarely. Hypersensitivity may be manifested by pruritus, urticaria, asthma-like symptoms and anaphylactoid reactions. Osteoporosis complicated by spontaneous bone fracture has been reported with prolonged use of large doses of heparin. Transient alopecia and diarrhea may occur.
Heparin products can cause hypoaldosteronism which may result in an increase in plasma potassium.
