As long as heparin is given subcutaneously does the site matter or does it HAVE to be in the lower?

17 May 2010

Depends upon the diagnosis of the patient, hope this helps, however it would be better to check with the pharmacist/doc. I did take it in the abdomen 2 years ago when undergoing angioplasty.

17 May 2010

I am on Coumadin for life and at times I have to take Heperin or Lovenox, both given subcutaneously. It is recommended for the abdomin but you can use the legs as well. The abdomin is best though. It seems to absorb better there so I think as uncomfortable as it may be you should stick with the abdomin if you can. You can substitute once in awhile in the thigh but try to keep in the abdomin if you can. Hope this helps some.

15 Feb 2012

The preferred area is the abdomen. However, you can inject yourself in your thighs. If you use your belly button as a landmark draw a box 1 inch around it. This area is the no injection zone. Now extend the top line and the bottom line of the box around your abdomen including your back. This is the preferred area to inject yourself. The area in the back is for someone that can help you if you are too sore or have a lot of hematomas in the front and sides of your abdomen. Hope this helps.