Heparin is a prescription anticoagulant. The Mayo Clinic explains that it is commonly known as a "blood thinner," but it does not actually make the blood thinner. It is indicated for conditions in which the development of a blood clot is likely; heparin may also be given when a blood clot exists in the body. It does not treat a pre-existing clot, but it can prevent the clot from growing larger and more dangerous. Like all medications, there are risks to taking heparin. The patient must follow all orders from a physician to minimize these risks.
White Clot Syndrome
The "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide" reports that one risk of taking heparin is white clot syndrome. This life-threatening complication is also called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. In this condition, the heparin lowers the amount of platelets, blood cells that normally help the blood to clot. It then causes an unusual blood clot or worsens an existing clot. Some signs of white clot syndrome include chest pain, difficulty breathing, slurred speech, confusion or paralysis on one side of the body. Patients are monitored for this complication while they are taking heparin and shortly after it is discontinued.
Overdosage
The patient's laboratory blood values must be carefully monitored during heparin use. This is because it has a narrow therapeutic range, the range between which it is benefiting the patient and causing harm. If the amount of heparin administered is higher than it should be, the patient may develop internal bleeding that is unknown to the physician. Some of the signs of internal bleeding include severe weakness, bloody or tarry stool, difficulty breathing or blood in the urine.
Easy Bleeding
Heparin may be administered into the vein (IV) or it may be given as a shot into the fat layer. Patients who self-administer heparin often inject it into the fat surrounding the belly button. Therapeutic dosage may be achieved by either method. At the proper dosage, the patient will bleed more easily than he used to. This means that a car accident, motorcycle accident, fall or sporting injury can easily become fatal. The Mayo Clinic recommends that patients taking heparin take extra precautions to avoid getting cut, bruised or otherwise injured.
References
- "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide"; Amy M. Karch, R.N., M.S.; 2010
- Drugs.com: Heparin Consumer Information
- Mayo Clinic: Heparin
