Heparin Lock (flush)

Heparin Lock is a blood thinner that helps stop blood clots from forming.

Heparin Lock flush is used to clean out an intravenous (IV) catheter. This helps stop the tube from getting blocked after you have received an IV infusion.

Heparin Lock flush should not be used to treat or stop blood clots in the body. There is a different Heparin Lock product for that purpose.

Heparin Lock flush may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

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

Heparin Lock flush can cause bleeding. Call your doctor immediately if you have easy bruising or unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed, black or bloody tarry stools, or any bleeding that does 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 Lock flush can make you bleed more easily.

You should not use Heparin Lock (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 Lock 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 Lock (flush) will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Do not use Heparin Lock (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 Lock (flush).

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

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

Heparin Lock flush may cause serious side effects. Stop using Heparin Lock flush and call your doctor right away 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.

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

Do not use Heparin Lock 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 Lock 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.

Call your doctor for instructions if you forget to use Heparin Lock (flush) to flush your IV line.

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

Talk to 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 Lock (flush) may make you bleed more easily.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any that you start or stop, 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. Inform each of your health care providers about all the medicines you are using now and any medicine you start or stop using.