Some of the views expressed in the following notes on newly approved products should be regarded as preliminary, as there may have been limited published data at the time of publication, and little experience in Australia of their safety or efficacy. However, the Editorial Executive Committee believes that comments made in good faith at an early stage may still be of value. Before new drugs are prescribed, the Committee believes it is important that more detailed information is obtained from the manufacturer's approved product information, a drug information centre or some other appropriate source.
Logiparin (CSL)
pre-filled syringes containing 11700 anti-Xa IU/mL, (2500 anti-Xa IU/0.2 mL, 3500 anti-Xa IU/0.3 mL and 4500 antiXa IU/0.4 mL)
multi dose vials containing 10 000 anti-Xa IU/mL in 2 mL vials
Indication: prevention of postoperative thromboembolism
Tinzaparin is an addition to the choice of low molecular weight heparins. These products are fragments of heparin which differ in their method of production. Tinzaparin is produced by deploymerisation of heparin obtained from the intestine of pigs.
The low molecular weight heparins cannot be interchanged and the clinical effect may not be directly related to the antiXa activity. The efficacy of tinzaparin in orthopaedic surgery has only been evaluated in patients undergoing elective hip replacement.
The adverse effect profile is similar to that of conventional heparin. A reduced risk of bleeding with low molecular heparins has not been demonstrated. As tinzaparin comes in a variety of dose forms, great care should be taken to ensure the patient receives the recommended dose.
