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Dalteparin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 16, 2024.

Applies to dalteparin: subcutaneous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Subcutaneous route (solution)

Patients anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins or heparinoids who receive neuraxial anesthesia or undergo a spinal puncture are at risk for epidural or spinal hematomas, which may result in long-term or permanent paralysis.

The use of indwelling epidural catheters, concomitant drugs that also affect hemostasis (eg, NSAIDs, platelet inhibitors, or other anticoagulants), history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures, or history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery further increase this risk.

The optimal timing of dalteparin administration and a neuraxial procedure is unknown.

Frequent monitoring for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment is recommended.

Seek urgent treatment if neurological compromise occurs.

Serious side effects of dalteparin

Along with its needed effects, dalteparin 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 while taking dalteparin:

More common side effects

  • bruise
  • deep, dark purple bruise, pain, or swelling at the injection site
  • nosebleed

Less common side effects

  • bleeding of the gums
  • constipation
  • coughing up blood
  • difficulty with breathing or swallowing
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
  • paralysis
  • prolonged bleeding from cuts
  • red or black, tarry stools
  • red or dark brown urine
  • severe stomach pain
  • unexplained pain, swelling, or discomfort, especially in the chest, abdomen or stomach, joints, or muscles
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • weakness

Rare side effects

  • back pain
  • bleeding from mucous membranes
  • bluish or black discoloration, flushing, or redness of the skin
  • burning, pricking, tickling, or tingling sensation
  • cough
  • feeling faint
  • fever
  • leg weakness
  • numbness
  • problems with bowel or bladder function
  • skin rash (which may consist of pinpoint, purple-red spots), hives, or itching
  • sloughing of the skin at the injection site
  • swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips
  • tightness in the chest

Incidence not known

  • blue-green to black skin discoloration
  • decrease in height
  • pain in the ribs, arms, or legs

Other side effects of dalteparin

Some side effects of dalteparin 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:

Incidence not known

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dalteparin: subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The most common side effects were any bleeding, postoperative transfusion, transaminase increases, and injection site pain.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

A bleeding reaction was considered major if accompanied by a decrease in hemoglobin of 2 g/dL or greater in connection with clinical symptoms, a transfusion was required, bleeding led to interruption of treatment or death, bleeding caused a significant clinical event, bleeding resulted in reoperation, or retroperitoneal or intracranial bleeding occurred.[Ref]

Other

Hepatic

Nervous system

Local

Hematologic

Genitourinary

Immunologic

Dermatologic

Hypersensitivity

Metabolic

Musculoskeletal

Endocrine

Gastrointestinal

Renal

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Fragmin (dalteparin)." Pharmacia and Upjohn

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

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Further information

Dalteparin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.