Dalteparin Sodium is a blood-thinning medicine.
This medicine prevents special cells in the blood from sticking to each other. This reduces the risk of harmful blood clots forming in your body.
Dalteparin Sodium is used to prevent or treat deep vein thrombosis (also known as DVT or blood clots in the leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs). You may be at risk of getting such blood clots after surgery or if you are bed-bound most of the time.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Dalteparin Sodium is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh or abdomen area).
If your doctor has asked you to inject this medicine on your own at home, follow his instructions carefully. Your doctor or nurse will teach you exactly how to prepare the injection and how to inject.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject within a 1 inch radius of the navel (belly button).
If you need help with understanding the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
After each injection, throw away the used needle. Needles must not be re-used.
Use a brand new injection needle for each injection.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often medicine miss your scheduled injection, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have or ever had any of these conditions:
- bleeding disorders or problems with blood clotting
- stomach ulcers
- history of stroke or bleeding in the brain
- heart disease
- bacterial infection in your heart
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
If you are going for a procedure where you have to undergo spinal or epidural anaesthesia , inform your doctor that you are using Dalteparin Sodium.
Alert your doctor if you are allergic to heparin, other medicines similar to Dalteparin Sodium, or pork products.
Inform your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- diabetes
- low platelet count or suffer from cancer
- recent brain, spine or eye surgery
- an artificial heart valve
- certain eye problems due to high blood pressure or diabetes
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not take part in activities in which you may fall or get injured such as contact sports. Report all falls and injuries to your doctor as there could be internal injuries which may not be obvious to you.
Take special care when shaving or handling sharp objects to avoid cutting yourself. Use a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth to reduce the risk of gum bleeding.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
If you are going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Dalteparin Sodium.
Do not switch to another brand of this medicine or to other medicines similar to Dalteparin Sodium, such as enoxaparin, nadroparin or tinzaparin unless your doctor has instructed you to do so.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Dalteparin Sodium may cause pain, bruising and irritation at the site of injection.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises especially if they appear by themselves or if they cover a large area), or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
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 any of these medicines:
- other blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, dipyridamole
- medicines for pain and inflammation (NSAIDs) e.g. aspirin, diclofenac, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen
- digoxin (a heart medicine)
- antibiotics e.g. tetracycline
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dalteparin Sodium.
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 place. Do not store above 25°C. Do not allow to freeze. Once frozen, Dalteparin Sodium is no longer effective and should not be used.
Keep out of reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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