Skip to main content

Heparin Lock (flush)

Generic name: heparin (flush) [ HEP-a-rin ]
Brand names: Heparin Lock Flush, Monoject Prefill Advanced, PosiFlush
Drug class: Heparins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 2, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Heparin Lock flush?

Heparin Lock is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots.

Heparin Lock flush is used to flush (clean out) an intravenous (IV) catheter, which helps prevent blockage in the tube after you have received an IV infusion.

Heparin Lock flush should not be used to treat or prevent blood clots in the body. A separate Heparin Lock product is available to use for this purpose.

Heparin Lock flush may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Heparin Lock flush side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, itching, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feeling like you might pass out.

Heparin Lock flush can cause bleeding. Call your doctor at once if you have easy bruising or unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed, black or bloody tarry stools, or any bleeding that will not stop.

Heparin Lock flush may cause serious side effects. Stop using Heparin Lock flush and call your doctor at once if you have:

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Heparin Lock flush should not be used to treat or prevent blood clots in the body. A separate Heparin Lock product is available to use for this purpose.

You should not use Heparin Lock flush if you have uncontrolled bleeding or a severe lack of platelets in your blood.

Heparin Lock flush can cause bleeding. Call your doctor at once if you have easy bruising or unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed, black or bloody tarry stools, or any bleeding that will not stop.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Using certain medicines while you are using Heparin Lock flush can cause you to bleed more easily.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Heparin Lock flush if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

To make sure Heparin Lock is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

It is not known whether Heparin Lock flush will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Do not use Heparin Lock flush without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Women over 60 years of age may be more likely to have bleeding episodes while using Heparin Lock flush.

Do not use Heparin Lock flush in a newborn baby (less than 1 month old). Do not use Heparin Lock flush in any child without your doctor's advice.

How should I use Heparin Lock flush?

Heparin Lock flush is injected directly into the catheter lock of your IV (intravenous) line. You may be shown how to use Heparin Lock flush at home.

Do not use Heparin Lock flush if you do not fully understand how to flush your IV line and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject your medicines. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not use Heparin Lock flush if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for a new prescription.

Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you forget to use Heparin Lock Lock to flush your IV line.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Heparin Lock flush?

Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with Heparin Lock flush may cause you to bleed more easily.

What other drugs will affect Heparin Lock flush?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially other medicines that prevent blood clots.

Other drugs may interact with heparin flush, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

heparin flush

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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