What it is used for
- Prevention of venous blood clots after selected operations
- Prevention of blood clots in non-surgical patients at increased risk
- Treatment of deep-vein thrombosis and prevention of recurrence according to the local product
- Prevention of clotting in the dialysis circuit for selected products and settings
How it is used
- Use it only as prescribed and do not change the dose or treatment length yourself
- It is injected into tissue under the skin of the abdomen; a professional teaches pre-filled syringe use if treatment is at home
- Rotate injection sites and do not rub afterwards to reduce bruising
- Do not inject into muscle or expel the air bubble unless the leaflet instructs you; place the used syringe in a sharps container
- During dialysis, a professional gives the appropriate presentation into the blood circuit with monitoring
Possible side effects
- Bruising, pain or a small collection of blood at the injection site
- Nose or gum bleeding or easy bruising
- Low platelet count
- Raised potassium or liver enzymes
- Severe bleeding or severe allergy in rare cases
Who should not use it
- Active major bleeding or a condition with a high risk of uncontrolled bleeding
- Current or previous immune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
- Allergy to bemiparin, heparin or product ingredients
- Acute bacterial endocarditis, or recent brain, eye or ear injury or surgery with bleeding risk
Before and while using it
- Seek urgent help for bleeding that does not stop, vomiting blood, black stools, a sudden severe headache or weakness
- Platelet count, kidney function and potassium require monitoring according to risk factors
- Tell the clinician before surgery, dental treatment or a spinal procedure
- Spinal anaesthesia or an epidural catheter can cause a blood collection that compresses nerves; immediately report back pain, leg weakness or loss of bladder control
- Kidney or liver disease, ulcer disease and uncontrolled high blood pressure increase bleeding risk
- Do not exchange it unit-for-unit with another heparin because products are not equivalent
Medicine interactions
- Other anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines and clot-dissolving drugs increase bleeding risk
- Aspirin and NSAIDs can increase bleeding unless the doctor decides they are necessary
- Corticosteroids and other medicines affecting clotting require review
- Medicines and supplements that raise potassium can worsen hyperkalaemia in susceptible people
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Use during pregnancy only after the doctor assesses clotting and bleeding risks and selects an appropriate product
- Breastfeeding data are limited; the doctor decides treatment after weighing benefits and risks
How to store it
- Store in the original pack as the leaflet directs, away from heat and out of children's reach; do not freeze
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.