Heparin Sodium
RxNorm 1798389· HEPARIN SODIUM· INTRAVENOUS, SUBCUTANEOUS
Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Heparin Sodium Injection is indicated for: • Prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; • Prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing major abdominothoracic surgery or who, for other reasons, are at risk of developing thromboembolic disease; • Atrial fibrillation with embolization; • Treatment of acute and chronic consumptive coagulopathies (disseminated intravascular coagulation); • Prevention of clotting in arterial and cardiac surgery; • Prophylaxis and treatment of peripheral arterial embolism. • Anticoagulant use in blood transfusions, extracorporeal circulation, and dialysis procedures. HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION is an anticoagulant indicated for ( 1 ) • Prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism • Prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing major abdominothoracic surgery or who, for other reasons, are at risk of developing thromboembolic disease • Atrial fibrillation with embolization • Treatment of acute and chronic consumptive coagulopathies (disseminated intravascular coagulation) • Prevention of clotting in arterial and cardiac surgery • Prophylaxis and treatment of peripheral arterial embolism • Use as an anticoagulant in blood transfusions, extracorporeal circulation, and dialysis procedures
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended Adult Dosages: • Therapeutic Anticoagulant Effect with Full-Dose Heparin † ( 2.4 ) † Based on 150 lb (68 kg) patient. Adjust dose based on laboratory monitoring. Deep Subcutaneous (Intrafat) Injection Use a different site for each injection Initial Dose 5,000 units by intravenous injection, followed by 10,000 to 20,000 units of a concentrated solution, subcutaneously Every 8 hours or Every 12 hours 8,000 to 10,000 units of a concentrated solution 15,000 to 20,000 units of a concentrated solution Intermittent Intravenous Injection Initial dose 10,000 units, either undiluted or in 50 to 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Every 4 to 6 hours 5,000 to 10,000 units, either undiluted or in 50 to 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Intravenous Infusion Initial dose 5,000 units by intravenous injection Continuous 20,000 to 40,000 units/24 hours in 1000 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (or in any compatible solution) for infusion 2.1 Preparation for Administration Confirm the choice of the correct Heparin Sodium Injection vial to ensure that the 1 mL vial is not confused with a “catheter lock flush” vial or other 1 mL vial of incorrect strength [s ee Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Confirm the selection of the correct formulation and strength prior to administration of the drug. When heparin is added to an infusion solution for continuous intravenous administration, invert the container repeatedly to ensure adequate mixing and prevent pooling of the heparin in the solution. Inspect parenteral drug products visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Use only if solution is clear and the seal is intact. Do not use if solution is discolored or contains a precipitate. Administer Heparin Sodium Injection by intermittent intravenous injection, intravenous infusion, or deep subcutaneous (intrafat, i.e., above the iliac crest or abdominal fat layer) injection. Do not administer Heparin Sodium Injection by intramuscular injection because of the risk of hematoma at the injection site [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) ]. 2.2 Laboratory Monitoring for Efficacy and Safety Adjust the dosage of Heparin Sodium Injection according to the patient's coagulation test results. Dosage is considered adequate when the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is 1.5 to 2 times normal or when the whole blood clotting time is elevated approximately 2.5 to 3 times the control value. When initiating treatment with Heparin Sodium Injection by continuous intravenous infusion, determine the coagulation status (aPTT, INR, platelet count) at baseline and continue to follow aPTT approximately every 4 hours and then at appropriate intervals thereafter. When the drug is administered intermittently by intravenous injection, perform coagulation tests before each injection during the initiation of treatment and at appropriate intervals thereafter. After deep subcutaneous (intrafat) injections, tests for adequacy of dosage are best performed on samples drawn 4 to 6 hours after the injection. Periodic platelet counts and hematocrits are recommended during the entire course of heparin therapy, regardless of the route of administration. 2.3 Therapeutic Anticoagulant Effect with Full-Dose Heparin The dosing recommendations in Table 1 are based on clinical experience. Although dosages must be adjusted for the individual patient according to the results of suitable laboratory tests, the following dosage schedules may be used as guidelines: Table 1: Recommended Adult Full-Dose Heparin Regimens for Therapeutic Anticoagulant Effect METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION FREQUENCY RECOMMENDED DOSE [based on 150 lb (68 kg) patient] Deep Subcutaneous (Intrafat) Injection Initial dose 5,000 units by intravenous injection, followed by 10,000 to 20,000 units of a concentrated solution, subcutaneously A different site should be used for each injection to prevent t…
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Fatal Medication Errors: Confirm choice of correct strength prior to administration ( 5.1 ) • Hemorrhage: Fatal cases have occurred. Use caution in conditions with increased risk of hemorrhage ( 5.2 ) • HIT and HITTS: Monitor for signs and symptoms and discontinue if indicative of HIT and HITTS ( 5.3 ) • Monitoring: Blood coagulation tests guide therapy for full-dose heparin. • Monitor platelet count and hematocrit in all patients receiving heparin ( 5.5 , 5.6 ) 5.1 Fatal Medication Errors Do not use Heparin Sodium Injection as a “catheter lock flush” product. Heparin Sodium Injection is supplied in syringes containing 5,000 units in 1 mL of heparin. Fatal hemorrhages have occurred in pediatric patients due to medication errors in which 1 mL Heparin Sodium Injection vials were confused with 1 mL “catheter lock flush” vials. Carefully examine all Heparin Sodium Injection syringes to confirm the correct syringe choice prior to administration of the drug. 5.2 Hemorrhage Avoid using heparin in the presence of major bleeding, except when the benefits of heparin therapy outweigh the potential risks. Hemorrhage can occur at virtually any site in patients receiving heparin. Fatal hemorrhages have occurred. Adrenal hemorrhage (with resultant acute adrenal insufficiency), ovarian hemorrhage, and retroperitoneal hemorrhage have occurred during anticoagulant therapy with heparin [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . A higher incidence of bleeding has been reported in patients, particularly women, over 60 years of age [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . An unexplained fall in hematocrit, fall in blood pressure or any other unexplained symptom should lead to serious consideration of a hemorrhagic event. Use heparin sodium with caution in disease states in which there is increased risk of hemorrhage, including: • Cardiovascular - Subacute bacterial endocarditis, severe hypertension. • Surgical - During and immediately following (a) spinal tap or spinal anesthesia or (b) major surgery, especially involving the brain, spinal cord, or eye. • Hematologic - Conditions associated with increased bleeding tendencies, such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia and some vascular purpuras. • Patients with hereditary antithrombin III deficiency receiving concurrent antithrombin III therapy - The anticoagulant effect of heparin is enhanced by concurrent treatment with antithrombin III (human) in patients with hereditary antithrombin III deficiency. To reduce the risk of bleeding, reduce the heparin dose during concomitant treatment with antithrombin III (human). • Gastrointestinal - Ulcerative lesions and continuous tube drainage of the stomach or small intestine. • Other - Menstruation, liver disease with impaired hemostasis. 5.3 Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious antibody-mediated reaction. HIT occurs in patients treated with heparin and is due to the development of antibodies to a platelet Factor 4-heparin complex that induce in vivo platelet aggregation. HIT may progress to the development of venous and arterial thromboses, a condition referred to as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT). Thrombotic events may also be the initial presentation for HITT. These serious thromboembolic events include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebral vein thrombosis, limb ischemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, mesenteric thrombosis, renal arterial thrombosis, skin necrosis, gangrene of the extremities that may lead to amputation, and possibly death. If the platelet count falls below 100,000/mm 3 or if recurrent thrombosis develops, promptly discontinue heparin, evaluate for HIT and HITT, and, if necessary, administer an alternative anticoagulant. HIT or HITT can occur up to several weeks after the discontinuation of heparin therapy. Patients presenting with thrombocytopenia or thrombosis after discontinuation of h…
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of Heparin Sodium Injection is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions: • History of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] ; • Known hypersensitivity to heparin or pork products (e.g., anaphylactoid reactions) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. • In whom suitable blood coagulation tests, e.g., the whole blood clotting time, partial thromboplastin time, etc., cannot be performed at appropriate intervals (this contraindication refers to full-dose heparin; there is usually no need to monitor coagulation parameters in patients receiving low-dose heparin); • An uncontrolled active bleeding state [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ], except when this is due to disseminated intravascular coagulation. • Severe thrombocytopenia ( 4 ) • When suitable blood coagulation tests, e.g., the whole blood clotting time, partial thromboplastin time, etc., cannot be performed at appropriate intervals ( 4 ) • An uncontrolled active bleeding state, except when this is due to disseminated intravascular coagulation ( 4 )
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Drugs that interfere with platelet aggregation: May induce bleeding ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Oral Anticoagulants Heparin sodium may prolong the one-stage prothrombin time. Therefore, when heparin sodium is given with dicumarol or warfarin sodium, a period of at least 5 hours after the last intravenous dose or 24 hours after the last subcutaneous dose should elapse before blood is drawn, if a valid prothrombin time is to be obtained. 7.2 Platelet Inhibitors Drugs such as NSAIDS (including salicylic acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, and celecoxib), dextran, phenylbutazone, thienopyridines, dipyridamole, hydroxychloroquine, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists (including abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban), and others that interfere with platelet-aggregation reactions (the main hemostatic defense of heparinized patients) may induce bleeding and should be used with caution in patients receiving heparin sodium. To reduce the risk of bleeding, a reduction in the dose of antiplatelet agent or heparin is recommended. 7.3 Other Interactions Digitalis, tetracyclines, nicotine or antihistamines may partially counteract the anticoagulant action of heparin sodium. Intravenous nitroglycerin administered to heparinized patients may result in a decrease of the partial thromboplastin time with subsequent rebound effect upon discontinuation of nitroglycerin. Careful monitoring of partial thromboplastin time and adjustment of heparin dosage are recommended during coadministration of heparin and intravenous nitroglycerin. Antithrombin III (human) – The anticoagulant effect of heparin is enhanced by concurrent treatment with antithrombin III (human) in patients with hereditary antithrombin III deficiency. To reduce the risk of bleeding, a reduced dosage of heparin is recommended during treatment with antithrombin III (human).
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on Heparin Sodium Injection use in pregnant women to inform a drug- associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In published reports, heparin exposure during pregnancy did not show evidence of an increased risk of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes in humans. No teratogenicity, but early embryo-fetal death was observed in animal reproduction studies with administration of heparin sodium to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses approximately 10 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 45,000 units/ day [ see Data ]. Consider the benefits and risks of Heparin Sodium Injection for the mother and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing Heparin Sodium Injection to a pregnant woman. If available, preservative-free Heparin Sodium Injection is recommended when heparin therapy is needed during pregnancy. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Human Data The maternal and fetal outcomes associated with uses of heparin via various dosing methods and administration routes during pregnancy have been investigated in numerous studies. These studies generally reported normal deliveries with no maternal or fetal bleeding and no other complications. Animal Data In a published study conducted in rats and rabbits, pregnant animals received heparin intravenously during organogenesis at a dose of 10,000 units/kg/day, approximately 10 times the maximum human daily dose based on body weight. The number of early resorptions increased in both species. There was no evidence of teratogenic effects.
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- heparin-induced thrombocytopenia1,284
- drug ineffective1,224
- off label use731
- nausea729
- drug hypersensitivity622
- vomiting592
- hypotension562
- dyspnoea538
- pulmonary embolism494
- pyrexia487
- sepsis477
- thrombocytopenia471
- anaemia469
- abdominal pain466
- thrombosis433
- condition aggravated396
Adverse reactions (label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Hemorrhage [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] • Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] • Thrombocytopenia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] • Heparin Resistance [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] • Hypersensitivity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ] Most common adverse reactions are hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, HIT and HITTS, injection site irritation, general hypersensitivity reactions, and elevations of aminotransferase levels. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA Inc. at, LLC 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of Heparin Sodium Injection. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. • Hemorrhage is the chief complication that may result from heparin therapy [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. Gastrointestinal or urinary tract bleeding during anticoagulant therapy may indicate the presence of an underlying occult lesion. Bleeding can occur at any site but certain specific hemorrhagic complications may be difficult to detect: o Adrenal hemorrhage, with resultant acute adrenal insufficiency, has occurred with heparin therapy, including fatal cases. o Ovarian (corpus luteum) hemorrhage developed in a number of women of reproductive age receiving short- or long-term heparin therapy. o Retroperitoneal hemorrhage • HIT and HITT, including delayed onset cases [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. • Local Irritation – Local irritation, erythema, mild pain, hematoma or ulceration may follow deep subcutaneous (intrafat) injection of heparin sodium. Because these complications are much more common after intramuscular use, the intramuscular route is not recommended. • Histamine-like reactions – Such reactions have been observed at the site of injections. Necrosis of the skin has been reported at the site of subcutaneous injection of heparin, occasionally requiring skin grafting [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ]. • Hypersensitivity – Generalized hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, with chills, fever and urticaria as the most usual manifestations, and asthma, rhinitis, lacrimation, headache, nausea and vomiting, and anaphylactoid reactions, including shock, occurring less frequently. Itching and burning, especially on the plantar side of the feet, may occur. [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ] • Elevations of aminotransferases – Significant elevations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels have occurred in patients who have received heparin. • Miscellaneous - Osteoporosis following long-term administration of high doses of heparin, cutaneous necrosis after systemic administration, suppression of aldosterone synthesis, delayed transient alopecia, priapism, and rebound hyperlipemia on discontinuation of heparin sodium have also been reported.
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