Tinzaparin

Generic name: Tinzaparin [ tin-ZA-pa-rin ]
Drug class: Heparins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 2, 2022.

Uses of Tinzaparin:

• It is used to treat blood clots.
• It is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Tinzaparin?

All products:

• If you have an allergy to tinzaparin or any other part of tinzaparin.
• If you are allergic to pork products, talk with the doctor.
• If you are allergic to sulfites, talk with your doctor. Some products have sulfites.
• If you are allergic to tinzaparin; any part of tinzaparin; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have ever had a low platelet count during past use of tinzaparin, heparin, or another drug like this one.
• If you have any of these health problems: Bleeding in the brain, bleeding from an ulcer, or other bleeding problems; blood clotting problems; brain, spinal cord, eye, or ear injury or surgery; eye problems caused by high blood sugar (diabetes) or bleeding; a heart infection called endocarditis; high blood pressure; liver disease; or an ulcerating cancer.
• If you have had a heart valve replaced.

Multi-dose container:

• If you have an allergy to benzyl alcohol, talk with your doctor.

Children:

• If your child is younger than 3 years of age. Do not give to a child younger than 3 years of age.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with tinzaparin.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take tinzaparin with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Tinzaparin?

All products:

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take tinzaparin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• If you fall or hurt yourself, or if you hit your head, call your doctor right away. Talk with your doctor even if you feel fine.
• People who have any type of spinal or epidural procedure are more likely to have bleeding problems around the spine when already on this drug. This bleeding rarely happens, but can lead to not being able to move body (paralysis) long-term or paralysis that will not go away. The risk is raised in people who have problems with their spine, a certain type of epidural catheter, or have had spinal surgery. The risk is also raised in people who take any other drugs that may affect how the blood clots like blood-thinner drugs (like warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor you use tinzaparin before you have a spinal or epidural procedure. Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of nerve problems like back pain, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, paralysis, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Talk with your doctor if you have recently had or will be having a spinal or epidural procedure. Some time may need to pass between the use of tinzaparin and your procedure. Talk with your doctor.
• Use care if you weigh less than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
• If you are 60 or older, use tinzaparin with care. You could have more side effects.
• This medicine is not approved for use in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Multi-dose container:

• This medicine has benzyl alcohol in it. Benzyl alcohol may cause very bad and sometimes deadly side effects in newborns or infants. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking tinzaparin, call your doctor right away.

Prefilled syringes:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using tinzaparin while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Tinzaparin) best taken?

Use tinzaparin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
• This medicine must not be given into a muscle.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Keep using tinzaparin as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Very bad headache.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath.

What are some other side effects of Tinzaparin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where the shot is given.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Tinzaparin?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about tinzaparin, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer