Product Details

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE CLEXANE SYRINGES

Do not use Clexane Syringes if: • you are allergic to: ™ enoxaparin sodium or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) ™ heparin or other low molecular weight heparins such as nadroparin, tinzaparin or dalteparin. Signs of an allergic reaction include: rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, oral cavity, throat or eyes. • you have had a reaction to heparin that caused a severe drop in the number of your clotting cells (platelets) within the last 100 days • you have antibodies against enoxaparin in your blood • you are bleeding heavily or have a condition with a high risk of bleeding, such as: ™ stomach ulcer, recent surgery of the brain or eyes, or recent bleeding stroke. • you are using Clexane Syringes to treat blood clots and are going to have within 24 hours: ™ a spinal or lumbar puncture ™ an operation with epidural or spinal anaesthesia. Do not use Clexane Syringes if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Clexane Syringes. Warnings and precautions Clexane Syringes should not be interchanged with other ‘low molecular weight heparins’ such as nadroparin, tinzaparin or dalteparin. This is because they are not exactly the same and do not have the same activity and instructions for use. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Clexane Syringes if: • you have ever had a reaction to heparin that caused a severe drop in the number of your clotting cells (platelets) • you have had a heart valve fitted • you have endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart) • you have a history of gastric ulcer • you have had a recent stroke • you have high blood pressure • you have diabetes or problems with blood vessels in the eye caused by diabetes (called diabetic retinopathy) • you have had an operation recently on your eyes or brain • you are elderly (over 65 years old) and especially if you are over 75 years old • you have kidney problems • you have liver problems • you are underweight or overweight • you have high levels of potassium in your blood (this may be checked with a blood test) • you are currently using medicines which affect bleeding (see section 2, ‘Other medicines and Clexane Syringes’) • you have any problem with your spine or you have had spinal surgery. If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Clexane Syringes. For patients receiving doses higher than 210 mg/day, this medicine contains more than 24 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each dose. This is equivalent to 1.2% of the recommended maximum daily intake of sodium for an adult. Tests and checks You may have a blood test before you start using this medicine and at intervals while you are using it; this is to check the level of the clotting cells (platelets) and potassium in your blood. Package leaflet: Information for the user 837521 Use in children and adolescents The safety and efficacy of Clexane Syringes has not been evaluated in children or adolescents. Other medicines and Clexane Syringes Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or might take any other medicines. • warfarin – used for thinning the blood • aspirin (also known as acetylsalicylic acid or ASA), clopidogrel or other medicines used to stop blood clots from forming (see section 3, ‘Changing anticoagulant medicine’) • dextran injection – used as a blood replacer • ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketorolac or other medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines which are used to treat pain and swelling in arthritis and other conditions • prednisolone, dexamethasone or other medicines used to treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions • medicines which increase potassium levels in your blood such as potassium salts, water pills, and some medicines for heart problems. Operations and anaesthetics If you are going to have a spinal or lumbar puncture, or an operation where an epidural or spinal anaesthetic is used, tell your doctor that you are using Clexane Syringes. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. If you are pregnant and have a mechanical heart valve, you may be at an increased risk of developing blood clots. Your doctor should discuss this with you. If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed, you should ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines Clexane Syringes do not affect the ability to drive and operate machinery. It is advised that the trade name and batch number of the product you are using are recorded by your healthcare professional.