How does it work?

Certoparin is a low molecular weight heparin. Heparin and certoparin (anticoagulants) work by interfering with the body's natural blood clotting mechanism. This mechanism involves a series of complex pathways. Heparin and certoparin inactivate a compound in this pathway called thrombin, which plays an important role in blood clot formation. Therefore, heparin and certoparin prevent the formation of blood clots in the body and breakdown pre-existing blood clots. Certoparin has many advantages over normal heparin. These include a more effective anticoagulant effect and reduced risk of bleeding. Certoparin 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.

What is it used for?

Prevention of blood clot formation in the veins during and after surgery

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

This medicine may alter the results of cholesterol, thyroid and blood sugar tests.

Regular monitoring of the number of a type of blood cell (platelet) in the blood must be carried out regularly whilst on this treatment.

Use with caution in

Chronic kidney failure

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

Diabetes mellitus

Increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)

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

Spinal or epidural anaesthesia

Not to be used in

Bacterial infection of the heart valves and the lining surrounding the heart (bacterial endocarditis)

Children

Serious bleeding disorders such haemophilia

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Stomach ulcer

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 only be used during pregnancy where the advantages to the individual outweigh the potential risks. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.

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)

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) with long term use

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

Bleeding at injection site

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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