Heparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood
clots.
Heparin is used to treat and prevent blood clots in the veins, arteries, or lung.
Heparin is also used before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. Heparin can
cause bleeding episodes and for several weeks after its use is stopped.
Certain medicines can increase the risk of bleeding while heparin is used. Always
check if other medications are being used including over-the-counter, vitamin, and
herbal products. Always confer with a health practitioner.
It is not known whether heparin will harm an unborn baby.
Do not use if:
There is an allergy to heparin.
There is a severe lack of platelets in the blood.
Uncontrolled bleeding is experienced.
There is an infection of the lining of the heart (also called bacterial endocarditis);
Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
A bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia.
