Heparin Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.
Applies to heparin: solution.
Serious side effects of Heparin
Along with its needed effects, heparin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking heparin:
Less common
- Abdominal or stomach pain or swelling
- back pain or backaches
- bleeding from the gums when brushing teeth
- blood in the urine
- constipation
- coughing up blood
- dizziness
- headaches, severe or continuing
- heavy bleeding or oozing from cuts or wounds
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- menstrual bleeding, unexpected or unusually heavy
- unexplained bruising or purplish areas on the skin
- unexplained nosebleeds
- vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Rare
- Blood under the skin (blood blister) at the place of injection
- chest pain
- chills or fever
- fast or irregular breathing
- irritation, pain, redness, or ulcers at the place of injection
- itching and burning feeling, especially on the bottom of the feet
- nausea or vomiting
- numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- pain, coldness, or blue color of the skin on the arms or legs
- peeling of the skin
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes
- shortness of breath
- skin color change, especially near the place of injection or in the fingers, toes, arms, or legs
- skin rash, hives, or itching
- tearing of the eyes
- tightness in the chest
- trouble with breathing
- wheezing
After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:
- Black, tarry stools
- bleeding gums
- blood in the urine or stools
- pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of legs
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- severe headaches of sudden onset
- sudden loss of coordination
- sudden shortness of breath for no apparent reason
- sudden slurred speech
- sudden vision changes
- unusual bleeding or bruising
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to heparin: injectable kit, injectable solution, intravenous solution.
General
The most common adverse reaction was hemorrhage.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Postmarketing reports: Hemorrhage, retroperitoneal hemorrhage[Ref]
Hematologic
Very common (10% or more): Thrombocytopenia (up to 30%)
Frequency not reported: Plasma lipoprotein lipase increased
Postmarketing reports: Heparin resistance[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Conjunctivitis, cyanosis, tachypnea, feeling of oppression, angioneurotic edema, anaphylactic shock
Postmarketing reports: Chills, fever, urticaria, asthma, rhinitis, lacrimation, headache, nausea, vomiting, anaphylactoid reactions, shock, itching, burning[Ref]
Local
Frequency not reported: Erythematous nodules, infiltrated and sometimes eczema-like plaques
Postmarketing reports: Local irritation, erythema, mild pain, hematoma, ulceration, histamine-like reactions, skin necrosis[Ref]
Immunologic
Frequency not reported: Allergic reactions, hypereosinophilia
Postmarketing reports: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, generalized hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]
Endocrine
Frequency not reported: Hypoaldosteronism
Postmarketing reports: Adrenal hemorrhage, acute adrenal insufficiency, fatal adrenal hemorrhage, aldosterone synthesis suppressed[Ref]
Metabolic
Frequency not reported: Plasma potassium increased, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis
Postmarketing reports: Rebound hyperlipidemia[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Frequency not reported: Significant bone demineralization, spontaneous bone fracture
Postmarketing reports: Osteoporosis[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Ecchymoses
Postmarketing reports: Cutaneous necrosis, delayed transient alopecia[Ref]
Hepatic
Frequency not reported: Serum transaminases increased
Postmarketing reports: ALT elevated significantly, AST elevated significantly[Ref]
Genitourinary
Postmarketing reports: Ovarian hemorrhage, priapism[Ref]
Renal
Frequency not reported: Renal function suppression[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
More about heparin
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Patient resources
Professional resources
- Heparin prescribing information
- Heparin Lock Flush Solution (FDA)
- Heparin and Dextrose (FDA)
- Heparin and Sodium Chloride (FDA)
Other brands
Related treatment guides
References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Heparin Sodium (heparin)." Lilly, Eli and Company
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.