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This medication is used to keep IV catheters open and flowing freely. Heparin helps to keep blood flowing smoothly and from clotting in the catheter by making a certain natural substance in your body (anti-clotting protein) work better. It is known as an anticoagulant.This form of heparin must not be used to treat or prevent blood clots in the body.Some products should not be used in newborns due to increased risk of side effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
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Lok-Pak-N Heparin Flush images:
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Lok-Pak-N Heparin Flush
Uses
This medication is used to keep IV catheters open and flowing freely. Heparin helps to keep blood flowing smoothly and from clotting in the catheter by making a certain natural substance in your body (anti-clotting protein) work better. It is known as an anticoagulant.This form of heparin must not be used to treat or prevent blood clots in the body.Some products should not be used in newborns due to increased risk of side effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.
Storage
- This medication must be stored properly.
- Review storage instructions with the pharmacist.
- Check the expiration date before using.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: easy/unusual bruising, bleeding such as persistent nosebleeds, blood in urine, black stools.
How To Use
- This medication is given by injection into the IV catheter by a health care professional.
- Learn all preparation and usage instructions for this product.
- Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.
- If you have questions about the use of this medication, consult the doctor or pharmacist.Do not inject this medication into the body.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
Side Effects
- Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Although very unlikely, this medication can cause bleeding if it has too much effect on your blood.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of serious bleeding, including unusual pain/swelling/discomfort, prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums, persistent nosebleeds, unusually heavy/prolonged menstrual periods, unusual/easy bruising, dark urine, black stools, severe headache, unusual dizziness.
- (see also Precautions section regarding HIT)A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using heparin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to pork products; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have a certain medical condition.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: uncontrollable bleeding.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe high blood pressure (hypertension), infection of the heart, recent surgery/procedure, bleeding/clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia, antithrombin III deficiency, thrombocytopenia), stomach/intestinal ulcers or tube drainage, liver disease, kidney disease, current/recent bleeding (e.g., from wounds, menstrual period).Some patients can have a certain bad reaction to heparin (Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia-HIT).
- This can occur during treatment and up to several weeks after treatment with heparin has stopped.
- See Side Effects section for symptoms to watch for and what to do if they occur.The elderly may be at greater risk for bleeding while using this drug.Newborns and infants may be at greater risk for bleeding while using this drug.
- In addition, a preservative (benzyl alcohol) that might be found in this product can infrequently cause serious (sometimes fatal) problems if given in large amounts (more than 100 milligrams per kilogram daily) to an infant during the first months of life.
- The risk is greater with low-birth-weight infants.
- Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, very slow heartbeat.
- If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, report them to the doctor immediately.
- If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating newborns.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication does not pass into breast milk.
- However, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (e.g., anticoagulants such as warfarin, antiplatelet drugs including NSAIDS such as ketorolac).Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully because many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) that can increase the risk of bleeding when used with heparin.
- Low-dose aspirin should be continued if it has been prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day).
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Flush the catheter/line with normal saline before and after infusing drugs that interact with heparin such as doxorubicin, droperidol, ciprofloxacin, and mitoxantrone.This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including prothrombin time), possibly causing false test results.
- Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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