According to the
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682826.html
Heparin is used to prevent blood clots from forming in people who have certain medical conditions or who are undergoing certain medical procedures that increase the chance that clots will form. Heparin is also used to stop the growth of clots that have already formed in the blood vessels, but it cannot be used to decrease the size of clots that have already formed. Heparin is also used in small amounts to prevent blood clots from forming in catheters (small plastic tubes through which medication can be administered or blood drawn) that are left in veins over a period of time. Heparin is in a class of medications called anticoagulants ('blood thinners'). It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood.
It's side effects include
Heparin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- redness, pain, bruising, or sores at the spot where heparin was injected
- hair loss
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
- stool that contains bright red blood or is black and tarry
- blood in urine
- excessive tiredness
- nausea
- vomiting
- chest pain, pressure, or squeezing discomfort
- discomfort in the arms, shoulder, jaw, neck, or back
- coughing up blood
- excessive sweating
- sudden severe headache
- lightheadedness or fainting
- sudden loss of balance or coordination
- sudden trouble walking
- sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- sudden confusion, or difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- purple or black skin discoloration
- pain and blue or dark discoloration in the arms or legs
- itching and burning, especially on the bottoms of the feet
- chills
- fever
- hives
- rash
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- hoarseness
- painful erection that lasts for hours
Heparin may cause osteoporosis (condition in which the bones become weak and may break easily), especially in people who use the medication for a long time. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication.
Heparin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
