Innohep 20,000 IU/ML

How does it work?

Tinzaparin is a low molecular weight heparin. Heparin and tinzaparin (anticoagulants) work by interfering with the body's natural blood clotting mechanism. This mechanism involves a series of complex pathways. Heparin and tinzaparin inactivate a compound in this pathway called thrombin, which plays an important role in blood clot formation. Therefore, heparin and tinzaparin prevent the formation of blood clots in the body. Tinzaparin has many advantages over normal heparin. These include a more effective anticoagulant effect and reduced risk of bleeding. Tinzaparin is given by injection under the skin, and is used for the treatment of blood clots in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and the prevention of blood clots following surgery. Tinzaparin is also used to prevent clots forming in blood during kidney dialysis.

What is it used for?

Blood clot lodged in a vein of the leg

Pulmonary embolism

Warning!

This medicine should not be injected into the muscle (intra-muscular injection)

Low molecular weight heparins have different characteristics, hence they are not interchangeable

Regular monitoring of blood potassium levels is recommended.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Bleeding in the brain (cerebral haemorrhage)

Decreased function of the liver (hepatic insufficiency)

Diabetes mellitus

High levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia)

Increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)

Individuals currently receiving potassium supplements or treatment with other potassium sparing medications

Injuries to or surgery on the central nervous system

People who have had recent surgery, bleeding or major injury

Severe kidney failure

Spinal or epidural anaesthesia

Not to be used in

Bleeding disorders

Children

History of infection of the heart valves and sac surrounding the heart (infective endocarditis)

Peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcers

Reduced platelet count in the blood

Very high blood pressure

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Allergy to active ingredients (hypersensitivity)

Skin rashes

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Bleeding (haemorrhage)

High blood potassium level (hyperkalaemia)

Bruising or pain at injection site

Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia)

Decreased production of aldosterone, a steroid hormone which regulates salt and water balance (hypoaldosteronism)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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