heparin (flush)

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Pronunciation: HEP a rin

Brand: Heparin Lock Flush, Monoject Prefill Advanced, PosiFlush

What is the most important information I should know about heparin flush?

Heparin flush should not be used to treat or prevent blood clots in the body. A separate heparin product is available to use for this purpose.

You should not use heparin flush if you have uncontrolled bleeding or a severe lack of platelets in your blood.

Heparin flush can cause bleeding. Call your doctor at once if you have easy bruising or unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed, black or bloody tarry stools, or any bleeding that will not stop.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Using certain medicines while you are using heparin flush can cause you to bleed more easily.

What is heparin flush?

Heparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots.

Heparin flush is used to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter, which helps prevent blockage in the tube after you have received an IV infusion.

Heparin flush should not be used to treat or prevent blood clots in the body. A separate heparin product is available to use for this purpose.

Heparin flush may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using heparin flush?

You should not use heparin flush if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • a severe lack of platelets in your blood; or
  • uncontrolled bleeding.

To make sure heparin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • any type of allergy;
  • an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis);
  • uncontrolled high blood pressure;
  • recent history of heart attack, stroke, cancer, or surgery;
  • a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia;
  • a stomach or intestinal disorder;
  • congestive heart failure;
  • kidney disease;
  • liver disease; or
  • if you are having a menstrual period.

It is not known whether heparin flush will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Do not use heparin flush without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Women over 60 years of age may be more likely to have bleeding episodes while using heparin flush.

Do not use heparin flush in a newborn baby (less than 1 month old). Do not use heparin flush in any child without your doctor's advice.

How should I use heparin flush?

Heparin flush is injected directly into the catheter lock of your IV (intravenous) line. You may be shown how to use heparin flush at home.

Do not use heparin flush if you do not fully understand how to flush your IV line and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject your medicines. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not use heparin flush if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for a new prescription.

Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you forget to use heparin to flush your IV line.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using heparin flush?

Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with heparin flush may cause you to bleed more easily.

What are the possible side effects of heparin flush?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, itching, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feeling like you might pass out.

Heparin flush can cause bleeding. Call your doctor at once if you have easy bruising or unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed, black or bloody tarry stools, or any bleeding that will not stop.

Stop using heparin flush and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
  • signs of a blood clot in the lung --chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
  • signs of a blood clot in your leg --pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • skin changes in your arms, legs, hands, or feet; or
  • (in an infant) extreme drowsiness, weakness, or gasping for breath.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect heparin flush?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially other medicines that prevent blood clots.

Other drugs may interact with heparin flush, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about heparin flush.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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