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

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

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

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

• a severe lack of platelets in your blood; or
• uncontrolled bleeding.

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

• any type of allergy;
• an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis);
• uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• recent history of heart attack, stroke, cancer, or surgery;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder;
• congestive heart failure;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• if you are having a menstrual period.

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

Do not use heparin 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 flush.

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

Use Heparin (Heparin Lock Flush) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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 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.

Stop using heparin flush and call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• signs of a blood clot in the lung--chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
• signs of a blood clot in your leg--pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• skin changes in your arms, legs, hands, or feet; or
• (in an infant) extreme drowsiness, weakness, or gasping for breath.

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.

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 flush may cause you to bleed more easily.