Tinzaparin Sodium is a blood-thinning medicine.
This medicine reduces the formation of harmful blood clots in your body. This medicine is used to treat deep vein thrombosis (also known as DVT or blood clots in the leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs).
Tinzaparin Sodium is also used to prevent blood clotting during dialysis and before and after surgery.
Use Tinzaparin Sodium exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not inject more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Tinzaparin Sodium is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area).
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 near the navel (belly button).
If you need help with understanding the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Throw away the used needle after each injection. Needles must not be re-used. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to dispose these used injections.
It may be necessary for you to use Tinzaparin Sodium injection for a long time or even for a few years. Your doctor will advise how long you need to use this medicine.
Inject the missed dose 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 miss your scheduled injection, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
- bleeding disorders or problems with blood clotting
- inflammation of the lining of the heart and heart valves called “septic endocarditis”
- history of injury or surgery involving the brain, spinal cord, eyes or ears
- high blood pressure
- bacterial infection in your heart
- history of low platelet count during treatment with heparin or other medicines similar to Tinzaparin Sodium
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
If you are going for a procedure where spinal or epidural anaesthesia is injected into your back, inform your doctor that you are using Tinzaparin Sodium.
Do not give this medicine to a premature new born baby unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not participate in activities in which you may fall or get injured such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (e.g. too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
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.
If you are going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Tinzaparin Sodium.
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.
Tinzaparin Sodium may cause any of the following side effects: headache, fever, nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, back pain, pain at the injections site and nosebleed.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience unusual bleeding or bruising.
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, ketorolac
- sulfinpyrazone (medicine for gout)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Tinzaparin 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. If frozen, Tinzaparin is no longer effective and should not be used.
Keep out of reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.