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 Innohep (Tinzaparin).
Blood clotting: Innohep (Tinzaparin) is intended to prevent unwanted blood clots, but it can also make you bleed more easily. You should take care when performing activities that increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding. You will need to have regular blood tests while taking Innohep (Tinzaparin) to ensure that you are receiving the correct dose.
Body weight: The safety and effectiveness of Innohep (Tinzaparin) for people of high weight (e.g., over 120 kg) and low weight (e.g., under 45 kg) have not been fully established. If you have a high or low body weight, discuss with your doctor how Innohep (Tinzaparin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Innohep (Tinzaparin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart problems: There have been reports of blood clots in people with prosthetic valves using low molecular weight heparins. Pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves have an increased risk of thromboembolism. If you have prosthetic heart valves your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are using Innohep (Tinzaparin).
Kidney Disease: People with decreased kidney function or kidney disease may experience increased side effects of Innohep (Tinzaparin) as a result of the medication building up in the body. If you have kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Innohep (Tinzaparin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Innohep (Tinzaparin), and whether any special monitoring is needed. You will probably need to have regular blood tests to ensure your kidneys are working properly while you are using Innohep (Tinzaparin).
Liver disease: If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Innohep (Tinzaparin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Innohep (Tinzaparin), and whether any special monitoring is needed. You will probably need to have regular tests to ensure your liver is working properly while you are using Innohep (Tinzaparin).
Potassium levels: Increases in blood levels of potassium occur for a small percentage of people taking medications in the heparin family, including Innohep (Tinzaparin). This may be more likely to happen if you have Diabetes or chronic kidney failure, or if you are taking potassium sparing diuretics. Your doctor may want to monitor your potassium levels. If you experience unexplained nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness, or tingling sensations, contact your doctor.
Stomach ulcers: If you have a history of stomach ulcers, discuss with your doctor how Innohep (Tinzaparin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Innohep (Tinzaparin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: The safety of Innohep (Tinzaparin) for use during pregnancy has not been established. Innohep (Tinzaparin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If your doctor recommends using Innohep (Tinzaparin), the multi-dose vial of Innohep (Tinzaparin) should not be used by pregnant women since it contains benzyl alcohol. If you become pregnant while taking Innohep (Tinzaparin), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Innohep (Tinzaparin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Innohep (Tinzaparin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Innohep (Tinzaparin) have not been established for children. Children under 3 years old must not receive Innohep (Tinzaparin) from multi-dose vials. The preservative, benzyl alcohol, may cause an effect called "gasping syndrome," which may be fatal to small children.
Seniors: Seniors may be at an increased risk of bleeding while using Innohep (Tinzaparin). Innohep (Tinzaparin) is not recommended in seniors over the age of 70 with decreased renal function and in those who have low body weight (<45 kg).
