What is this medication for?
Tinzaparin belongs to the group of medications known as anticoagulants, and specifically to the group of anticoagulants known as low molecular weight heparins.
Tinzaparin prevents harmful blood clots from forming in blood vessels by reducing the clotting ability of the blood.
Tinzaparin is used to treat a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This condition leads to the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels in the leg. These blood clots can sometimes travel to the lungs and block blood vessels there, resulting in a serious condition known as pulmonary embolism.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Innohep® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Tinzaparin is given by subcutaneous (under the surface of the skin) injection only. The dose of tinzaparin varies according to individual circumstances such as the condition being treated and body weight. The doctor will choose the dose that is most likely to prevent blood clots but not cause you to bleed easily.
In some cases, you may need to use tinzaparin injection at home; after you leave the hospital, for example. If you need to give the injection to yourself, your doctor or nurse will show you how to use the medication. Be sure that you follow the instructions exactly; ask any questions necessary to be sure you completely understand.
Tinzaparin must not be injected into the muscle or into a vein.
It is important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children. This medication should not be refrigerated, as cold solution may result in painful injection.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Tinzaparin should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to tinzaparin or to any ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to pork, benzyl alcohol, sulfites, or heparin (i.e., heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a decrease in the number of platelets caused by heparin)
- has active major bleeding
- has had low platelet levels along with a positive in-vitro platelet-aggregation test while using tinzaparin