Innohep (Subcutaneous)

Generic name: tinzaparin [ tin-za-PAR-in ]
Drug class: Heparins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 17, 2024.

Subcutaneous route(Solution)

Epidural or spinal hematomas, which may result in long-term or permanent paralysis, may occur in patients who are anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins or heparinoids and are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. Factors that can increase the risk of developing these hematomas include: use of indwelling epidural catheters, concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis such as NSAIDs, platelet inhibitors, or other anticoagulants, or history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture, spinal deformity, or spinal surgery. Monitor patients frequently for neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary. Consider risks/benefits before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis .

Uses for Innohep

Tinzaparin is used for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis, a condition in which harmful blood clots form in the blood vessels of the legs. These blood clots can travel to the lungs and can become lodged in the blood vessels of the lungs, causing a condition called pulmonary embolism. Tinzaparin is used for several days after surgery, while you are unable to walk. It is during this time that blood clots are most likely to form. Tinzaparin also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Innohep

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of tinzaparin in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of tinzaparin in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving tinzaparin.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Defibrotide

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Abciximab
Aceclofenac
Acemetacin
Acenocoumarol
Alipogene Tiparvovec
Alteplase, Recombinant
Amtolmetin Guacil
Anagrelide
Anistreplase
Antithrombin, Recombinant
Apixaban
Argatroban
Aspirin
Bemiparin
Betrixaban
Bivalirudin
Bromfenac
Bufexamac
Caplacizumab-yhdp
Celecoxib
Choline Salicylate
Citalopram
Clonixin
Clopidogrel
Collagenase, Clostridium histolyticum
Curcumin
Dabigatran Etexilate
Dalteparin
Danaparoid
Desvenlafaxine
Dexibuprofen
Dexketoprofen
Dextran
Diclofenac
Diflunisal
Dipyridamole
Dipyrone
Drotrecogin Alfa
Droxicam
Edoxaban
Enoxaparin
Eptifibatide
Escitalopram
Etodolac
Etofenamate
Etoricoxib
Felbinac
Fenoprofen
Fepradinol
Feprazone
Floctafenine
Flufenamic Acid
Fluoxetine
Flurbiprofen
Fluvoxamine
Ibrutinib
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen Lysine
Iloprost
Indomethacin
Inotersen
Ketoprofen
Ketorolac
Lepirudin
Levomilnacipran
Lornoxicam
Loxoprofen
Lumiracoxib
Meclofenamate
Mefenamic Acid
Meloxicam
Milnacipran
Morniflumate
Nabumetone
Nadroparin
Naproxen
Nepafenac
Niflumic Acid
Nimesulide
Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
Nintedanib
Omadacycline
Orlistat
Oxaprozin
Oxyphenbutazone
Parecoxib
Paroxetine
Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
Phenindione
Phenprocoumon
Phenylbutazone
Piketoprofen
Piracetam
Piroxicam
Prasugrel
Proglumetacin
Propionic Acid
Propyphenazone
Proquazone
Reteplase, Recombinant
Rivaroxaban
Rofecoxib
Salicylic Acid
Salsalate
Sarecycline
Sertraline
Sodium Salicylate
Streptokinase
Sulfinpyrazone
Sulindac
Tenecteplase
Tenoxicam
Tiaprofenic Acid
Ticlopidine
Tirofiban
Tolfenamic Acid
Tolmetin
Trazodone
Treprostinil
Turmeric
Urokinase
Valdecoxib
Venlafaxine
Vilazodone
Vorapaxar
Vortioxetine
Warfarin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Proper use of Innohep

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, usually in the abdomen.

If you are using tinzaparin at home, your doctor will teach you how to inject yourself with the medicine. Be sure to follow the directions carefully. Check with your doctor if you have any problems using the medicine.

You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. This will help prevent skin problems from the injections.

If the medicine in the vial (glass container) has changed color, or if you see particles in it, do not use it.

Put used syringes in a puncture-resistant, disposable container, or dispose of them as directed by your doctor.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For injection dosage form:
- For prevention of deep venous thrombosis (leg clots) due to surgery:
  - Adults
  - General surgery—3500 International Units (IU) given 2 hours before surgery then 3500 IU once a day for 7 to 10 days.
  - Hip surgery—50 International Units (IU) per kilogram (kg) of body weight given 2 hours before surgery then 50 IU per kg of body weight once a day for 7 to 10 days, or 75 IU per kg of body weight given after surgery once a day for 7 to 10 days.
  - Knee surgery—75 International Units (IU) per kilogram (kg) of body weight given after surgery once a day for 7 to 10 days.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of deep venous thrombosis (leg clots) with or without pulmonary embolism (lung clots):
  - Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 175 International Units (IU) per kilogram (kg) of body weight injected under the skin once a day for 6 to 7 days.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Precautions while using Innohep

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects. Be sure to keep all appointments.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; swelling of the face, tongue, and throat; trouble breathing; or chest pain after you receive this medicine.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to heparin, sulfites, benzyl alcohol, or pork products.

Tinzaparin may increase your chance of bleeding or bruising. This risk is higher if you have a catheter in your back for pain medicine or anesthesia (sometimes called an "epidural"), or if you have kidney problems. The risk of bleeding increases as the severity of your kidney problems increases. Check with your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; bleeding gums; blood in the urine or stools; or pinpoint red spots on your skin.

You may bleed and bruise more easily while you are using this medicine. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers. Avoid nose picking and forceful nose blowing.

Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using tinzaparin several days before having surgery or medical tests.

This medicine contains benzyl alcohol which may cause serious reactions to newborn or premature infants. Discuss this with your doctor if you are concerned.

Do not take or discontinue other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of Innohep

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Deep, dark purple bruise, pain, or swelling at the place of injection

Less common

Bladder pain
bleeding gums
blood in the urine
bloody or cloudy urine
blurred vision
chest pain
chest tightness
chills
confusion
cough
coughing up blood
difficulty with breathing or swallowing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
fever
frequent urge to urinate
headache
increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
lower back or side pain
nosebleeds
pain or burning while urinating
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
palpitations
paralysis
pounding in the ears
prolonged bleeding from cuts
red or black, tarry stools
red or dark brown urine
severe or continuing dull nervousness
shortness of breath
skin rash
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
sweating
swollen glands
troubled breathing, exertional
unexplained pain, swelling, or discomfort, especially in the chest, abdomen or stomach, joints, or muscles
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of blood or material like coffee grounds

Rare

Blue-green to black skin discoloration
bowel or bladder dysfunction
hives
itching
leg weakness
numbness
pain, redness, or sloughing of the skin at the place of injection
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
wheezing

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain
accumulation of pus
break in the skin, especially associated with blue-black discoloration, swelling, or drainage of fluid
change in vision
clay-colored stools
collection of blood under the skin
diarrhea
excessive thirst
general feeling of discomfort or illness
hoarseness
large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of appetite
muscle cramps
numbness and tingling of the face, fingers, or toes
pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, especially pain in the calves or heels upon exertion
pain, redness, or swelling
painful knees and ankles
pale, bluish-colored, or cold hands or feet
problems with vision or hearing
raised, red swellings on the skin, buttocks, legs or ankles
red or irritated eyes
redness, tenderness, burning, blistering, or peeling of the skin (usually on the backs of arms and the fronts of legs, mouth, eyes, hands, or feet)
seeing floating spots before the eyes
swollen, red, or tender area of infection
unpleasant breath odor
weak or absent pulses in the legs
yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common or rare