tinzaparin sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Low-molecular-weight heparin anticoagulant.
Administration
Injected into fatty tissue beneath the skin; it must not be injected into muscle.
Origin
Derived from porcine heparin.
What is tinzaparin sodium used for?
Licensed uses represented by the selected pre-filled syringe are:
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and other venous thromboembolic disease in adults.
Extended treatment of venous thromboembolism and prevention of recurrence in adults with active cancer.
How does tinzaparin sodium work?
Tinzaparin strengthens the action of antithrombin, a natural inhibitor of clotting factors. It acts mainly against factor Xa and also inhibits factor IIa, reducing further clot formation while the body deals with the existing clot.
tinzaparin sodium preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 10000 units/mL, 20000 units/mL
How to take tinzaparin sodium
Use tinzaparin only after a healthcare professional has demonstrated the correct injection technique.
Inject beneath the skin into an approved fatty area; never inject into muscle.
Rotate injection sites and avoid the navel, scars, wounds, bruised, red or hardened skin.
Hold the skin in a fold during injection and do not rub afterwards.
Do not remove the syringe's air bubble when using the full contents. If instructed to use only part, follow the demonstrated technique.
Put used syringes immediately in an approved sharps container.
tinzaparin sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bleeding or haematoma.
- Anaemia related to bleeding.
- Injection-site pain, itching, redness, bruising, bleeding, swelling or small lumps.
Get urgent medical advice
- Major or persistent bleeding.
- Immune-mediated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which can cause a low platelet count and harmful clots.
- Severe allergy, angioedema or anaphylaxis.
- Skin necrosis or a severe blistering or peeling rash.
- Spinal haematoma with neurological symptoms after a spinal or epidural procedure.
- Raised potassium, particularly in susceptible patients.
tinzaparin sodium in pregnancy
Tinzaparin can be used during pregnancy when clinically needed and does not cross the placenta. Specialist involvement is required, particularly when planning labour or spinal or epidural anaesthesia, or when a prosthetic heart valve is present.
tinzaparin sodium while breastfeeding
Tinzaparin can be used while breastfeeding because transfer into milk and absorption by the infant are expected to be negligible. As a precaution, observe the infant for unusual bruising or bleeding; seek specialist advice if the infant is premature or unwell.
tinzaparin sodium interactions
Medicines affecting platelets or coagulation can increase bleeding risk and may require avoidance or closer monitoring.
Aspirin and other antiplatelets, such as clopidogrel
Combined effects on clotting can increase bleeding risk.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and diclofenac
These can increase bleeding risk; check before using prescribed or over-the-counter products.
Other anticoagulants, including warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban and dabigatran
Common questions about tinzaparin sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is tinzaparin sodium a blood thinner?
Yes. It is an anticoagulant that reduces the blood's ability to form or enlarge harmful clots; it does not directly dissolve an existing clot.
Can I inject tinzaparin sodium myself?
Often, yes, but only after a doctor or nurse has trained you and confirmed where and how to inject it.
Can I take ibuprofen or aspirin with tinzaparin sodium?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.