Innohep

What is it?

A low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), tinzaparin with 10,000 anti-Factor Xaiu. activity per ml, available in vials and pre-filled syringes delivering a single dose. Also, INNOHEP 20 000iw. Per ml, tinzaparin sodium 20,000 anti-Factor Xaiu. activity per ml, as a solution in pre-prepared syringes and vials for injection.

Medical Uses

Innohep, prevention of thrombosis and embolism, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients who are undergoing general surgery or orthopaedic procedures. Also, prevention of clot formation in extracorporeal circulation in patients with severe kidney disorders who are undergoing haemodialysis. Innohep 20,000, treatment of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.

Dosage

Innohep, adults, general surgery, 3, 500in. 2 hours before the operation and then 3, 500iu once each day for 1 week to 10 days; orthopaedic surgery, 4, 500iu. 12 hours before operation then 4, S00iu once each day for 1 week to 10 days. Or, 50iu per kg of body weight 2 hours before operation then same dose once each day for 1 week to 10 days. All doses are given by subcutaneous injection. Short-term haemodialysis, bolus dose of 2,000 to 2, 500iu, into arterialside of dialysis machine, or dose can be given intravenously. Dose is adjusted by 250 to 500iu, according to needs os individual patient. Long-term haemodialysis, bolus dose of 2, 500iu. into arterail side of dialysis machine or dose may be delivered intravenously; it is then adjusted by 250 to S00iu. according to individual patient requirements. Then, a further 7501u. per hour by intravenous infusion into extracorporeal circulation. Innohep 20,000, adults, 175iu per kg of body weight once each day by subcutaneous injection for at least 6 days.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, serious kidney or liver disorders.

Avoid Use

Active stomach ulcer, septic endocarditis (infection of endocnrdium of heart), severe low blood pressure which is not controlled, bleeding tendency.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs affecting blood coagulation and platelets.

Known Side Effects

Slight bruising, rashes, short-lived rise in liver enzymes, increased likelihood of bleeding, low levels of aldosterone (hormone secreted by the adrenal glands regulating potassium and sodium levels in blood) causing elevated potassium levels. Patients with diabetes, acidosis, taking potassium sparing drugs, kidney failure or treated with Innohep for more than 1 week, should receive careful monitoring of blood potassium levels. Rarely, haematoma (collection of blood) in patients having epidural or spinal anaesthesia, thrombocytopenia (bleeding due to a reduction in blood platelets), priapism (sustained, painful erection of penis); if necrosis of skin occurs (development of dead skin patches), drug should be withdrawn.