Consumer medicine information

DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP Ampoule

Heparin sodium

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP Ampoule

Active ingredient

Heparin sodium

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP Ampoule.

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP ampoule. It does not contain all the available information.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you being given heparin against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

This medicine is likely to be used while you are at the clinic or in hospital. If possible, please read this leaflet carefully before this medicine is given to you. In some cases, this leaflet may be given to you after the medicine has been administered.

If you have any concerns about being given this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

What DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP is used for

This medicine belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-coagulants. Anti-coagulants work by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood and help stop clots dorming in the blood vessels.

Anti-coagulants are sometimes called "blood thinners", although they do not actually thin the blood. Heparin will not dissolve blood clots that have already formed, but it may prevent any clots that have already formed from becoming larger and causing serious problems.

This medicine is used for prevention and treatment of diseases caused by blood clots, such as certain blood vessel, heart and lung conditions. It is also used to prevent blood clots from forming during some types of surgery, dialysis and blood transfusions.

Heparin may be used for the treatment of other conditions that are not mentioned above. Your doctor will be able to tell you about the specific condition for which you have been prescribed heparin.

This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

This medicine is not addictive.

Before you are given DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP

When you must not be given it

You should not be given DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP if you have an allergy to:

  • any medicine containing heparin
  • any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  • pork products

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.

You should not be given this medicine if you have any of the following medical conditions:

  • conditions where bleeding may be a problem, such as haemophilia, hiatus hernia, bleeding haemorrhoids (piles)
  • retinopathy (a disease of the retina)
  • problems with fragile blood vessels
  • endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart)
  • ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) deficiency
  • stroke (bleeding on the brain)
  • very high blood pressure
  • stomach or intestinal ulcers or other conditions which may bleed, such as ulcerative colitis
  • severe kidney or liver disease
  • major surgery involving the eyes, brain or spinal cord
  • immediately after childbirth, or where a miscarriage is possible
  • low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
  • a drop in blood platelet count due to heparin or pentosan polysulfate.

If you are not sure whether you should be given this medicine, talk to your doctor.

Before you are given it

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:

  • asthma
  • liver or kidney disease
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • ulcer disease
  • vascular disease
  • recent medical, surgical or dental procedures
  • a heart infection, or other heart problems
  • recent surgery on your eyes, brain or spinal cord

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. When heparin is used in pregnant women, it can cause premature (early) delivery or harm your baby. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you are given heparin.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines and heparin may interfere with each other. These include:

  • pain relieving medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen
  • anti-inflammatory medicines such as indometacin and phenylbutazone
  • anti-clotting medicines such as aprotinin, warfarin, dextran, abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban, streptokinase, urokinase, alteplase or anistreplase
  • medicines for heart and circulation problems such as digitalis, glyceryl trinitrate, dipyridamole and epoprostenol
  • systemic corticosteroids eg prednisolone, hydrocortisone.
  • medicines for rheumatoid arthritis such as hydroxychloroquine
  • medicines for treating gout such as probenecid
  • medicines for reducing swelling of the body such as etacrynic acid
  • medicines for hayfever such as anti-histamines
  • nicotine
  • medicines for cancer treatment such as cytostatic drugs and asparaginase (colaspase)
  • antibiotics such as tetracyclines, cefamandole and penicillins
  • medicines used for epilepsy (seizures) such as valproic acid
  • medicines used for thyroid problems such as propylthiouracil
  • substances used to enhance the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in medical imaging insulin or other medicines used to treat diabetes known as "sulfonylureas" such as glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide, tolazamide and tolbutamide
  • medicines known as "benzodiazepines" such as chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, oxazepam
  • propanolol.

These medicines may be affected by heparin or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.

Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while being given heparin.

How DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP is given

How much is given

Your doctor will decide what dose of heparin you will receive and how long you will receive it for. This depends on your condition and other factors, such as your weight and results of blood tests.

How it is given

DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) or as a slow injection into a vein (intravenously). It should not be given as an injection into a muscle (intramuscularly).

This medicine must only be given by a doctor, nurse or other trained person.

If you have too much (overdose)

As DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP is given to you under the supervision of your doctor, it is very unlikely that you will receive too much. However, if you experience any severe side effects after being given this medicine, tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or, if you are not in hospital, go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital. You may need urgent medical attention.

Please contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 for advice on overdose management.

If you are given too much heparin, you may experience bleeding.

While you are being given DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP

Things you must do

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you are being given heparin.

Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are being given this medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are being given this medicine. It may affect other medicines used during surgery.

If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are being given this medicine. It may interfere with the results of some tests.

Things to be careful of

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Heparin Injection affects you. This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness or drowsiness, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.

If you have any serious, physical accidents once you leave hospital, advise your treating doctor or nurse that you have been given this medicine recently.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are being given heparin.

Like other medicines, heparin can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor or temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

If you are over 60 years of age you may have an increased chance of getting side effects, especially if you are female.

If you drink heavily you have a greater risk of bleeding compared to moderate drinkers or non-drinkers.

Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

  • change in skin colour, or pain around the injection site.
  • fever
  • chills
  • runny nose
  • watering eyes
  • nausea and vomiting
  • headache
  • itchy soles of the feet

The above list includes side effects which are usually mild and short-lived.

Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • any changes in skin colour or pain around the injection site, or the skin starts to swell, gets warm/red, becomes numb or starts to blister
  • easy bruising or bleeding (eg. nosebleeds, heavy menstrual periods, bleeding from gums when brushing teeth) during or after treatment
  • passing blood in the urine or faeces, dark coloured faeces, or vomiting blood
  • signs of an allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin, chills or fever
  • numbness, pain, tingling or muscle weakness
  • abnormal bowel or urinary function, or loss of control of bowel motions or urine.
  • abdominal or stomach pain, chest pain, irregular, fast or fluttering heartbeat, muscle weakness or numbness in limbs, nausea and vomiting
  • persistent painful erection

The above list includes serious side effects which may require medical attention.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice anything that is making you unwell.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.

Some side effects may only be seen by your doctor.

After being given DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP

Storage

DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward. The injection is kept in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Product description

What it looks like

DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP is a colourless or straw coloured solution for injection. It comes in glass ampoules.

Ingredients

DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP contains heparin sodium as the active ingredient. It also contains:

  • hydrochloric acid
  • sodium hydroxide
  • water for injections

This medicine does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

Sponsor

Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
Sydney NSW
Toll Free Number: 1800 675 229
www.pfizer.com.au

This leaflet was prepared in March 2021

AUST R 12881 - DBL Heparin Injection 5,000 IU/1mL (5s)

AUST R 12883 - DBL Heparin Injection 1,000 IU/1mL (5s, 50s)

AUST R 16349 - DBL Heparin Injection 5,000 IU/0.2mL (5s, 50s)

Published by MIMS May 2021

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP Ampoule

Active ingredient

Heparin sodium

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Heparin sodium.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP 1,000 IU/1 mL: each mL contains 1,000 IU Heparin sodium.
DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP 5,000 IU/0.2 mL: 0.2 mL contains 5,000 IU Heparin sodium.
DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP 5,000 IU/1 mL: each mL contains 5,000 IU Heparin sodium.
Heparin sodium is prepared from porcine intestinal mucosa and is free from pyrogenic substances.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP is a colourless or straw coloured sterile solution of heparin sodium in water for injections. The pH of the injection ranges between 5.0 and 8.0.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Heparin is indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders such as thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism and occlusive vascular disease. It is also used to prevent thromboembolic complications arising from cardiac and vascular surgery, frostbite, dialysis and other perfusion procedures. Heparin is also used as an anticoagulant in blood transfusions.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage.

Low dose prophylaxis against postoperative venous thromboembolism: heparin sodium may be used. The usual dose is 5,000 units by deep subcutaneous injection 2 hours before surgery and repeated every 8 to 12 hours for 7 days or longer until the patient is fully ambulatory.
Adults. Treatment of established venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Use heparin sodium. Treatment may be given by the following routes:

a) Continuous intravenous infusion.

A bolus dose of 5,000 units may be given initially followed by an infusion of 20,000 to 40,000 units in 1 litre of sodium chloride intravenous infusion or glucose intravenous infusion over 24 hours.

b) Intermittent intravenous injection.

An initial dose of 10,000 units followed by 5,000 to 10,000 units every 4 to 6 hours may be given.

c) Deep subcutaneous injection.

The usual dose is 5,000 units injected intravenously followed by subcutaneous injection of 10,000 units 8 hourly or 15,000 units 12 hourly. A concentrated form of heparin injection should be used (e.g. 25,000 units/mL).
Children. A suggested dosage is 50 units/kg bodyweight initially by intravenous infusion followed by 100 units/kg bodyweight every 4 hours according to the clotting time.

Method of administration.

Heparin may be given by intermittent intravenous injection, intravenous infusion or deep subcutaneous injection. It should not be given intramuscularly because of the danger of haematoma formation.
For single patient use. Use once only and discard any residue.

4.3 Contraindications

Heparin therapy is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the drug.
It should not be used in the following cases:
in the presence of actual or potential haemorrhagic states, e.g. haemophilia, ascorbic acid deficiency, increased capillary fragility, hiatus hernia, neoplasms, retinopathy, bleeding haemorrhoids or other organic lesions likely to bleed;
haemorrhagic vascular accident;
threatened abortion;
immediate postpartum period;
subacute bacterial endocarditis or acute infectious endocarditis;
severe hypertension;
gastric or duodenal ulcers or other ulcerative conditions which may have a tendency to haemorrhage, e.g. ulcerative colitis;
advanced renal or hepatic disease;
during and immediately after spinal or major surgery, especially those involving the brain, eye or spinal cord;
shock;
severe thrombocytopenia or a history of thrombocytopenia with any kind of heparin or with pentosan polysulfate;
patients in whom suitable blood coagulation tests, e.g. whole blood clotting time, partial thromboplastin time, etc, cannot be performed at appropriate intervals (this contraindication refers to full dose heparin; there is usually no need to monitor coagulation parameters in patients receiving low dose heparin);
hypersensitivity to heparin or to any of the excipients or pork products (e.g. anaphylactoid reactions).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Heparin should not be given by intramuscular injection, due to the risk of haematoma formation.
When neuraxial anaesthesia (epidural/ spinal anaesthesia) or spinal puncture is employed, patients anticoagulated or scheduled to be anticoagulated with unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparins/ heparinoids for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk of developing an epidural or spinal haematoma which can result in long term or permanent paralysis.
The risk of these events is increased by the use of indwelling epidural catheters for administration of analgesia or by concomitant use of drugs affecting haemostasis such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, or other anticoagulants. The risk also appears to be increased by traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture.
Patients should be frequently monitored for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary.
The physician should consider the potential benefit versus risk before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis.
As heparin is derived from animal tissue, it should be used with caution in patients with a history of allergy or asthma. Before a therapeutic dose is given to such a patient, a trial dose of 1,000 units may be advisable.
Heparin should be used with extreme caution in patients with continuous tube drainage of the stomach or small intestine.
Any action which may cause vascular injury, with the exception of necessary intravenous or subcutaneous injections, should be avoided where possible.
Outpatients should be warned of the haemorrhagic risks in case of possible trauma.
Heparin should be administered with caution to patients with hypertension, a history of ulcers, or with vascular diseases of the chorio-retina, impaired hepatic function, hemostasis disorder, endocarditis, or during surgery of the eyes and central nervous system.
Increased resistance to heparin is frequently encountered with fever, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, infections with thrombosing tendencies, myocardial infarction, cancer and in post-surgical patients.
Heparin therapy increases the risk of localised haemorrhage during and following oral surgical (dental) procedures. Temporary heparin dosage reduction or withdrawal may therefore be advisable prior to oral surgery.
Heparin therapy should be monitored carefully. Adequate monitoring of therapy reduces the risk of overdosage and consequent risk of haemorrhage and is an important guide to the development of serious adverse reactions such as delayed onset thrombocytopenia.
Platelet counts should be monitored in patients receiving heparin for more than a few days, since heparin may cause thrombocytopenia with severe thromboembolic complications. Heparin should be discontinued if thrombocytopenia develops.
Patients on heparin may rarely develop Heparin-induced Thrombosis-Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (HITTS or "white clot syndrome"): new thrombus formation in association with thrombocytopenia, as a result of irreversible platelet aggregation. This may lead to severe thromboembolic complications such as deep vein thrombosis, cerebral vein thrombosis, limb ischemia, renal arterial thrombosis, skin necrosis, gangrene of the extremities that may lead to amputation, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, stroke and possibly death. Heparin administration should therefore be discontinued if a patient develops new thrombosis in association with thrombocytopenia. These effects are probably of immuno-allergic nature, and occur mostly between the fifth and 21st day of treatment in patients being treated with heparin for the first time.

Delayed onset of HIT and HITT.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (HITT) can occur up to several weeks after the discontinuation of heparin therapy. Patients presenting with thrombocytopenia or thrombosis after discontinuation of heparin should be evaluated for HIT and HITT.

Hyperkalemia.

Heparin can suppress adrenal secretion of aldosterone leading to hyperkalemia, in patients at risk of increased potassium levels such as patients with diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency or taking drugs that may increase plasma potassium levels such as ACE inhibitors. The risk of hyperkalemia appears to increase with the duration of treatment, but is normally reversible.

Heparin resistance.

Resistance to heparin is encountered in patients with antithrombin III deficiency. Adjustment of heparin doses based on anti Factor Xa levels may be warranted.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Heparin should be administered with caution to patients with hepatic disease. Dosage reduction may be necessary in patients with advanced hepatic disease.

Use in renal impairment.

Heparin should be administered with caution to patients with renal disease. Dosage reduction may be necessary in patients with advanced renal disease.

Use in the elderly.

Dosage should be reduced in elderly people. Patients aged 60 years or over, especially women, may be more susceptible to haemorrhage during heparin therapy. Patients should be carefully monitored.

Paediatric use.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration for dosage in children.

Effects on laboratory tests.

Significant elevations of AST and ALT levels have occurred in a high percentage of patients (and healthy subjects) who have received heparin. Since AST determinations are important in the differential diagnosis of myocardial infarction, liver disease and pulmonary embolism, rises that might be caused by drugs (like heparin) should be interpreted with caution.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Heparin may prolong the one-stage prothrombin time. Therefore, when heparin is given with oral anticoagulants such as warfarin, a period of at least 5 hours after the last intravenous dose, or 24 hours after the last subcutaneous dose of heparin, should elapse before blood is drawn for a valid prothrombin time to be obtained.
Medicines which affect platelet function, e.g. aspirin, other salicylates and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, platelet aggregation inhibitors, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists, thienopyridines, dextran, dipyridamole and systemic corticosteroids, may increase the risk of haemorrhage and should be used with caution in patients receiving heparin. Where concomitant use cannot be avoided, careful clinical and biological monitoring should be undertaken.
Other medicines which may potentiate the effect of heparin include hydroxychloroquine, sulphinpyrazone, probenecid, ethacrynic acid, vitamin K antagonists, cytostatic agents, cephamandole, cefotetan, plicamycin, valproic acid and propylthiouracil. High doses of penicillins, some contrast media, asparaginase and epoprostenol may also affect the coagulation process and increase the risk of haemorrhage.
Concomitant use of thrombolytic agents such as alteplase, anistreplase, streptokinase or urokinase may also increase the risk of haemorrhage.
Antihistamines, digitalis glycosides, tetracyclines, nicotine, ascorbic acid and quinine may reduce the anticoagulant effect of heparin.
Glyceryl trinitrate has been reported to reduce the activity of heparin when both drugs are administered simultaneously intravenously. This effect may be due to the presence of propylene glycol as a solvent in many glyceryl trinitrate parenteral preparations. No interaction has been reported when the glyceryl trinitrate was administered immediately after the heparin. Adjustment of heparin dosage during and following administration of intravenous glyceryl trinitrate may be required.
Heavy alcohol drinkers are at greater risk of major heparin associated bleeding than moderate or non-drinkers.
Experimental evidence suggests that heparin may antagonise the actions of ACTH, corticosteroids and insulin.
Heparin is incompatible with certain substances in aqueous solution. Reference to specialised literature should be made to verify in which solution the incompatibility was noted. The following incompatibilities have been reported: hydrocortisone; hyaluronidase; hydroxyzine; some antihistamines, narcotic analgesics, phenothiazines and antibiotics. See Section 6.2 Incompatibilities.
Intravenous nitroglycerin administered to heparinized patients may result in a decrease of the partial thromboplastin time with subsequent rebound effect upon discontinuation of nitroglycerin. Careful monitoring of partial thromboplastin time and adjustment of heparin dosage are recommended during co administration of heparin and intravenous nitroglycerin.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

No data available.
(Category C)
The use of heparin in pregnancy has the usual risks for the mother, in particular osteoporosis and thrombocytopenia. Although heparin does not cause malformations, an increased incidence of human foetal loss and prematurity associated with haemorrhage has been reported.
Heparin is not distributed into milk and heparin therapy is therefore not contraindicated in women who are breast-feeding. However, administration to breast-feeding women has rarely been reported to cause rapid (within 2 to 4 weeks) development of severe osteoporosis and vertebral collapse.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration. Patients should refrain from driving or using machines until they know that the medicinal product does not negatively affect these abilities.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Haemorrhage is the major risk of heparin therapy and may range from minor local ecchymoses to major haemorrhagic complications. An overly prolonged clotting time or minor bleeding can usually be controlled by discontinuing the heparin (see Section 4.9 Overdose). The occurrence of significant gastrointestinal or urinary tract bleeding during heparin therapy may indicate the presence of an underlying occult lesion.
Bleeding can occur at any site, but some specific haemorrhagic complications can be difficult to detect.
a) Adrenal haemorrhage with resultant acute adrenal insufficiency has occurred during anticoagulant therapy. Anticoagulant treatment should be discontinued in patients who develop signs and symptoms of acute adrenal haemorrhage and insufficiency. Plasma cortisol levels should be measured immediately. Corticosteroid therapy should be initiated promptly, before laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis, as any delay in treatment may result in the patient's death.
b) Ovarian (corpus luteum) haemorrhage may be fatal if unrecognised.
c) Retroperitoneal haemorrhage.
Additionally both spinal hematomas and epidural hematomas can occur.
Thrombocytopenia has been reported to occur in up to 30% of patients receiving heparin. Although the thrombocytopenia is often mild and of no obvious clinical significance, it may be accompanied by severe thromboembolic complications such as skin necrosis, gangrene of the extremities, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism and stroke (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Certain episodes of painful, ischaemic and cyanosed limbs have in the past been attributed to allergic vasospastic reactions; however, these reactions may instead be complications of thrombocytopenia.
Delayed onset thrombocytopenia is also a possible complication of heparin therapy. If this occurs, the drug should be withdrawn immediately (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Skin necrosis has infrequently been reported at injection sites. It is thought to be a localised manifestation of heparin induced platelet aggregation and thrombosis, and should be taken as a warning sign in patients who develop it. Heparin should be discontinued immediately.
Local irritation, erythema, mild pain, haematoma or ulceration may follow deep subcutaneous injection. The emergence of firm nodules may be noted in some cases; however, these nodules usually disappear after a few days.
Allergic reactions to heparin occur rarely. Hypersensitivity may be manifested by pruritus, urticaria, chills, fever, asthma like symptoms, rhinitis, lacrimation, headache, nausea, vomiting and anaphylactoid reactions, including angioedema and shock. The most common manifestations are urticaria, chills and fever. Itching and burning, especially on the plantar side of the feet, may occur.
Osteoporosis complicated by spontaneous bone fracture has been reported with prolonged use of large doses of heparin.
Alopecia and priapism have occurred rarely in patients treated with heparin.
Hypoaldosteronism.
Suppression of aldosterone synthesis with hyperkalaemia and/or metabolic acidosis have been noted in patients at risk (e.g. diabetes, renal failure).
Suppression of renal functions has occurred following long term, high dose administration of heparin.
Significant elevations of AST and ALT levels have occurred in a high percentage of subjects who have received heparin (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Effects on laboratory tests).
Hypereosinophilia, which is reversible on discontinuation of heparin treatment, has occurred.
Rebound hyperlipidaemia has been reported following discontinuation of heparin therapy has also been reported.
Transaminases increased.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms.

The main complication associated with heparin overdose is over-anticoagulation and hemorrhage. Examples of types of bleeding observed in patients receiving heparin sodium following subcutaneous administration include melanemia, haematoma, hematuria, ecchymoses, epistaxis, haematemesis, intracranial hemorrhages, pulmonary hemorrhage and other hemorrhage.

Treatment.

Slight hemorrhage due to overdosage can usually be treated by withdrawing the drug. Severe bleeding may be reduced by the administration of protamine sulphate. Protamine sulphate should be administered intravenously. To avoid circulatory side effects, the injection should be given slowly over a period of about 10 minutes. Not more than 50 milligrams should be given at any one time. The dose of protamine sulphate required is governed by the amount of heparin that has to be neutralised; approximately 1 milligram of protamine sulphate neutralises 100 units of heparin (mucous) that has been injected in the previous 15 minutes. Since heparin is being continuously excreted, the dose should be reduced as more time elapses after the heparin injection. Ideally, the dose of protamine sulphate required should be accurately determined by titration methods as the antagonist itself, in gross excess, acts as an anticoagulant.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Heparin is a naturally occurring mucopolysaccharide which inhibits the clotting of blood in vitro and in vivo. It enhances the rate at which antithrombin III neutralises thrombin and activated factor X (Xa). Antithrombin III also neutralises other activated coagulation factors, e.g. factors IX, XI, XII and plasmin.
With low dose heparin therapy, anticoagulation appears to result from neutralisation of Xa which prevents the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. With full dose heparin therapy, anticoagulation appears to result primarily from neutralisation of thrombin which prevents the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Full dose heparin therapy also prevents the formation of a stable fibrin clot by inhibiting activation of fibrin stabilising factor.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Heparin is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and must be administered parenterally. Its onset of action is immediate following intravenous administration. There may be considerable variation among patients in the extent of absorption following deep subcutaneous injection of heparin; however, the onset of activity usually occurs within 20 to 60 minutes.

Distribution.

Heparin is extensively bound to plasma proteins. It does not cross the placenta and is not distributed into milk.

Metabolism.

The metabolic fate of heparin is not fully understood. No biotransformation in plasma or liver, nor any renal excretory mechanism has been identified as primarily responsible for elimination of the drug. It has been suggested that transfer and storage in the reticuloendothelial system may play a role, or that heparin may be partially metabolised in the liver.

Excretion.

After administration of large doses intravenously, a small fraction of unchanged drug is excreted in the urine.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

No data available.

Carcinogenicity.

No data available.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Hydrochloric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Water for injections.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibility has been reported between heparin (sodium) and alteplase, amikacin sulphate, amiodarone, ampicillin sodium, benzylpenicillin sodium, cephalothin sodium, ciprofloxacin lactate, cytarabine, dacarbazine, daunorubicin hydrochloride, diazepam, dobutamine hydrochloride, doxorubicin hydrochloride, droperidol, erythromycin lactobionate, gentamicin sulphate, haloperidol lactate, hyaluronidase, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, kanamycin sulphate, methicillin sodium, netilmicin sulphate, opioid analgesics, oxytetracycline hydrochloride, polymyxin B sulphate, promazine hydrochloride, promethazine hydrochloride, streptomycin sulphate, sulphafurazole diethanolamine, tetracycline hydrochloride, tobramycin sulphate, vancomycin hydrochloride and vinblastine sulphate. Heparin sodium has also been reported to be incompatible with cisatracurium besylate, labetalol hydrochloride and nicardipine hydrochloride. Admixture with glucose can have variable effects. Incompatibility has been reported between heparin and fat emulsion.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

DBL Heparin Sodium Injection BP is supplied in glass ampoules (bacteriostat free).

Pack size.

1,000 IU/1 mL (cartons contain 5 and 50 ampoules).
5,000 IU/0.2 mL (cartons contain 5 and 50 ampoules).
5,000 IU/1 mL (cartons contain 5 and 50 ampoules).
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

No data available.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 4.

Summary Table of Changes