IMPORTANT WARNING:  

About your treatment  

Your doctor has ordered heparin flush, an anticoagulant ('blood thinner'), to prevent the formation of clots that could block your intravenous (IV) catheter.

You will probably use heparin flush several times a day. Your health care provider will determine the number of heparin flushes you will need a day.

Storing your medication  

• Your health care provider will probably give you several days supply of heparin. You will be told how to prepare each dose.

Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.

Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of the reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.

In case of emergency/overdose  

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Signs of infection  

You need to know the symptoms of a catheter-related infection (an infection where the needle enters your vein or skin). If you experience any of these effects near your intravenous catheter, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:

• tenderness
• warmth
• irritation
• drainage
• redness
• swelling
• pain