Innohep is an antithrombotic drug used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It works by preventing blood from clotting. The doctor may give you Tinzaparin after surgery while you are unable to walk.
Blood clots inside blood vessels tend to form in the first few days after surgery. Blood clots tend to form in large blood vessels in the body, like the veins in the legs. These blood clots can easily travel into the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism, which can cause sudden death. Early ambulation after surgery greatly reduce chances of forming blood clots.
If you are unable to walk or move after surgery, the doctor may use drugs like Tinzaparin so that blood clots will not form in your bloodstream and cause complications.
Tinzaparin is somewhat similar to heparin, but has lower molecular weight and therefore have characteristics that are more predictable.
Tinzaparin is an injectable drug and therefore requires a prescription.
Before using Innohep, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.
The doctor will consider the following before prescribing Tinzaparin:
Tell your doctor all your allergies to medications, food and animal products before using Tinzaparin. You also have to tell your doctor if you are allergic to preservatives such as benzyl alcohol or sodium metabisulfite, which is present in many medicines.
Tell all the medicines you take, including non-prescription medications and supplements. Tinzaparin may interact with several medicines that can result to undesirable effects. Do mention if you take injectable medicines.
Here are the medicines known to interact with Tinzaparin. The drug Palifermin may increase side effect of Tinzaparin.
Taking Tinzaparin with potassium-sparing diuretics like Spirinolactone may cause abnormally elevated potassium levels. Taking other anticoagulants and other blood thinners with Tinzaparin, such as Warfarin, NSAIDs, aspirin and streptokinase, may cause increased risk of bleeding. The doctor may adjust dosage or schedule when you use them. Tell your doctor if you take these medications:
Tell the doctor all your health problems before taking Tinzaparin. Tinzaparin must be used with caution in patients with problems in the kidneys and liver, and to patients with stroke, bleeding in the stomach and intestines, and asthma.
Tinzaparin must be also used carefully in patients with artificial heart valves, hypertension, individuals with metabolic acidosis or amyloidosis.
Before taking Tinzaparin, tell your doctor if you have history or presently have low platelet counts, hypertension, bleeding tendencies or congenital bleeding disorders and bleeding in the brain.
If you will have procedures or surgery in the brain, spine, eye, or recently underwent surgery, mention it to your doctor before using Tinzaparin. Also mention if you recently have recently had or scheduled for epidural catheter or spinal puncture.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol and tobacco. You may have to stop drinking alcohol if you are taking Tinzaparin.
Note that tobacco and alcohol may increase risk of complications caused by surgery or other procedures.
Tinzaparin is not proven to be safe in patients less than 18 years of age. Tinzaparin may be used in elderly patients, though they tend to need closer monitoring because they are more likely to have kidney problems. If you have a kidney problem, the doctor may have to adjust the dose of Tinzaparin.
Tinzaparin is an FDA pregnancy category B drug, which means it is somewhat safe when used on pregnant women.
However, you still need to tell your doctor if you are or planning to get pregnant soon. Though it is not known if Tinzaparin may be expressed in breastmilk, you may have to stop nursing when having the drug to avoid risk to your baby.
3 Proper Usage
To use Innohep properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.
The doctor will determine your dose depending on your condition and the procedure you have had or will have. Depending on the surgery or procedure, you may receive Tinzaparin injections before or after the procedure. Always follow the doctor’s instructions when taking the drug.
Tinzaparin is an injectable medication and can only be given by a doctor or nurse. It is injected deep inside the skin (subcutaneous). The medication is injected in one of the following sites:
Lower abdomen
Thigh
Lower back
Upper arm
Do not rub the injection site to avoid bruising.
Make sure to keep used syringes, empty vials and needles out of reach of children and pets.
Make sure you do not miss your dose of Tinzaparin. If you missed a dose, call your doctor immediately.
4 Precautions To Take
Before using Innohep, there are some precautions you must take.
Make sure to inspect the vial before administration. Do not use the medication if the vial is cracked, or the liquid is cloudy or has particles in it.
If you have asthma, note that some medications contain sulfites that can cause asthmatic reaction. If you have asthma, ask your doctor or pharmacist if the medication contains sulfites.
Tinzaparin may increase risk of bleeding. Avoid activities that can cause bleeding or bruising, like contact sports and strenuous activity. Contact your doctor if you experience bleeding or bruising, or if you passed out dark, tarry or bloody stools.
If you will receive care from another doctor or from a dentist, tell him or her you are taking Tinzaparin. Rarely, Tinzaparin may cause prolonged painful erections (priapism), which is a very serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
As a precaution, do not take other medication without asking your doctor first. This includes over-the-counter medications, prescription medicines or herbal supplements. Note that NSAIDs (often available without prescription) and certain herbal substances like Gingko may increase risk of bleeding.
Tinzaparin may cause changes in certain lab tests, like liver function tests. Make sure you tell the doctor or lab personnel that you are using Tinzaparin.
The doctor will schedule you for lab tests, like complete blood cell counts (eg, platelet counts), kidney function, blood pressure, blood potassium levels, and tests for blood in the stool, during treatment with Tinzaparin. This will determine if the medicine is working and to check for early signs of side effects. Make sure you keep all clinic and lab appointments. Tinzaparin may not be safe for children because it may contain benzyl alcohol.
Do not discontinue treatment without your doctor’s permission.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Innohep.
Tinzaparin may cause mild bleeding, bruising, irritation, redness and swelling at the injection site, which are minor and does not cause complications. But if these become persistent or become worse, call your doctor.
Tinzaparin may cause the following side effects, which are serious and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor if you experienced the following symptoms:
Severe allergic reactions such as hives, rash, difficulty breathing and swelling in the face, mouth, lips or tongue
Passing out bloody, black or tarry stools
Pain in the chest, jaw or arms
Confusion
Coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. Find doctors & request online appointments. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. Easy & secure access! Simple Facebook login.
FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact
information, certified patients reviews and online appointment booking functionality.
