Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Heparin Lock.
Blood clotting: Heparin Lock is intended to prevent unwanted blood clots, but it can make you bleed more easily. You should be careful when performing activities that increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly as usual. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.
Kidney problems: If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Heparin Lock may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Heparin Lock, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver problems: If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Heparin Lock may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Heparin Lock, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Medical conditions: Heparin increases the risk of bleeding complications for many people with ongoing medical conditions. If you have subacute bacterial Endocarditis, blood or blood vessel disorders, severe high blood pressure, indwelling catheters, inaccessible gastrointestinal ulcers, Ulcerative Colitis, continuous tube drainage of stomach or small intestine, or menstruation, discuss with your doctor how Heparin Lock may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Heparin Lock, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Osteoporosis: People who receive long-term, daily doses of heparin should be monitored by their doctor for possible development of osteoporosis (brittle bones) or fractures.
Pregnancy: Although heparin is the anticoagulant (blood-thinner) of choice during pregnancy, caution needs to be exercised due to risk of bleeding, especially during the third trimester and immediately after the birth. If you become pregnant while taking Heparin Lock, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Heparin does not pass into breast milk; however, the preservative in some of the multi-dose vials, benzyl alcohol, does pass into breast milk. Benzyl alcohol can cause complications for newborn, premature, or low-birth-weight infants. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking heparin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Seniors: Seniors may be at an increased risk of bleeding while using heparin. Your doctor will adjust your dose accordingly.