Danaparoid Sodium, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: danaparoid sodium, injection; Orgaran

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shots) to prevent blood clots from forming when you have hip replacement surgery. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How do I use it?

The shots are started 1 to 4 hours before surgery and are continued twice a day during the recovery period as part of your care after surgery. They are given by your health care provider. If you go home from the hospital before the danger of clots is over, keep any appointments to have the remaining shots.

What should I watch out for?

The most severe side effect of this medicine is bleeding, which can occur in any part of your body. Be sure to report any bleeding to your health care provider right away.

Blood tests and stool tests may be done while you are receiving these shots.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you are unable to contact your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reactions (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, swelling of your lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Unusual bruising or bleeding.

Other: Pain at the spot where the shots are given, fever, nausea, constipation, headache, insomnia.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• platelet inhibitors such as cilostazol (Pletal), clopidogrel (Plavix), and ticlopidine (Ticlid).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.