Dalteparin is a blood-thinning medicine which helps prevent or reduce the formation of harmful blood clots in your body.
This medicine is used to treat deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in a lung artery).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Dalteparin is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse may administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
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. If you need help with understanding the instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Dalteparin.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of thrombocytopenia (lower than normal platelet count in the blood) caused by heparin (blood-thinning medicine)
- severe bleeding disorder or any condition that may cause you to bleed more easily
- ulcer in the stomach or bowel
- bleeding in the brain
- infection in the lining of the heart and heart valves
- recent stroke within the last 3 months
- recent injury to or have had an operation involving the spine, brain, eyes, or ears
as Dalteparin may not be suitable for you.
If you are going for a surgical procedure where you have to undergo anaesthesia (medicines to block pain and sensation) administered in the spine, alert your doctor that you are using Dalteparin, especially when treating blood clots.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high potassium levels in the blood
- conditions that may make you prone to complications of bleeding e.g. recent surgery or trauma, abnormal platelet function, uncontrolled high blood pressure, eye disease due to high blood pressure or diabetes
- history of ulcer in the stomach or bowel
- have had an operation to insert an artificial heart valve
- kidney disease
- severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going to have other operations, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using Dalteparin.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, blood count, stool examination) may be done before therapy and while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of bleeding may also be needed.
Dalteparin may cause pain, bruising, or irritation at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual bleeding or bruising e.g. blood in the urine, coughing up blood, passing out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
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, aspirin, dipyridamole, tirofiban
- medicines used to break up or dissolve blood clots e.g. alteplase
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, indometacin
- medicines for cold or allergy
- medicines for gout (high uric acid level in the blood) e.g. probenecid, sulfinpyrazone
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- tetracycline (antibiotic)
- ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dalteparin.
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, dry place away from the reach of children.
Some available products of Dalteparin may have specific storage requirements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist on how to properly store your medicine.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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