Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Fragmin

Generic Name: dalteparin (Pronunciation: DAL te PAR in)

• What is dalteparin (Fragmin)?
• What are the possible side effects of dalteparin (Fragmin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about dalteparin (Fragmin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using dalteparin (Fragmin)?
• How should I use dalteparin (Fragmin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Fragmin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Fragmin)?
• What should I avoid while using dalteparin (Fragmin)?
• What other drugs will affect dalteparin (Fragmin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is dalteparin (Fragmin)?

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

Dalteparin is used together with aspirin to prevent blood vessel complications in people with certain types of angina (chest pain) or heart attack.

Dalteparin is also used to prevent a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). A DVT can occur after certain types of surgery, or in people who are bed-ridden due to a prolonged illness.

Dalteparin is also used long-term to treat a type of blood clot called venous thromboembolism (VTE) in people with cancer.

Dalteparin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of dalteparin (Fragmin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using dalteparin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), bleeding from wounds or needle injections, any bleeding that will not stop;
• easy bruising, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness (especially in your legs and feet);
• loss of movement in any part of your body;
• sudden weakness, severe headache, confusion, or problems with speech, vision, or balance; or
• trouble breathing.

Less serious side effects include pain, redness, or swelling where the medicine was injected.

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 is the most important information I should know about dalteparin (Fragmin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dalteparin, heparin, or pork products, or if you have active bleeding, or a low level of platelets in your blood after testing positive for a certain antibody while using dalteparin.

If you need anesthesia for a medical procedure or surgery, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using dalteparin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Dalteparin may cause you to bleed more easily, especially if you have: a bleeding disorder, hemorrhagic stroke, an infection in the lining of your heart, uncontrolled high blood pressure, stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcer, or if you have had recent brain, spine, or eye surgery.

Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can increase your risk of bleeding or life-threatening blood clots, and it is very important to tell your doctor about all medicines you have recently used.

Blood clots around the brain or spinal cord may occur if you use dalteparin with other drugs that can affect blood clotting, including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin, and any other medications to treat or prevent blood clots.

Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor recommends it as part of your treatment. Aspirin can increase your risk of bleeding.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have signs of bleeding such as black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, confusion, feeling like you might pass out, or any bleeding that will not stop.

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