Skip to main content

Heparin Sodium Side Effects

Generic name: heparin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.

Note: This document contains side effect information about heparin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Heparin Sodium.

Applies to heparin: solution.

Serious side effects of Heparin Sodium

Along with its needed effects, heparin (the active ingredient contained in Heparin Sodium) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking heparin:

Less common

Rare

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to heparin: injectable kit, injectable solution, intravenous solution.

General

The most common adverse reaction was hemorrhage.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Postmarketing reports: Hemorrhage, retroperitoneal hemorrhage[Ref]

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Thrombocytopenia (up to 30%)

Frequency not reported: Plasma lipoprotein lipase increased

Postmarketing reports: Heparin (the active ingredient contained in Heparin Sodium) resistance[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Conjunctivitis, cyanosis, tachypnea, feeling of oppression, angioneurotic edema, anaphylactic shock

Postmarketing reports: Chills, fever, urticaria, asthma, rhinitis, lacrimation, headache, nausea, vomiting, anaphylactoid reactions, shock, itching, burning[Ref]

Local

Frequency not reported: Erythematous nodules, infiltrated and sometimes eczema-like plaques

Postmarketing reports: Local irritation, erythema, mild pain, hematoma, ulceration, histamine-like reactions, skin necrosis[Ref]

Immunologic

Frequency not reported: Allergic reactions, hypereosinophilia

Postmarketing reports: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, generalized hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]

Endocrine

Frequency not reported: Hypoaldosteronism

Postmarketing reports: Adrenal hemorrhage, acute adrenal insufficiency, fatal adrenal hemorrhage, aldosterone synthesis suppressed[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Plasma potassium increased, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis

Postmarketing reports: Rebound hyperlipidemia[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Significant bone demineralization, spontaneous bone fracture

Postmarketing reports: Osteoporosis[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Ecchymoses

Postmarketing reports: Cutaneous necrosis, delayed transient alopecia[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Serum transaminases increased

Postmarketing reports: ALT elevated significantly, AST elevated significantly[Ref]

Genitourinary

Postmarketing reports: Ovarian hemorrhage, priapism[Ref]

Renal

Frequency not reported: Renal function suppression[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Heparin Sodium (heparin). Lilly, Eli and Company. 2001;PROD.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.