Fragmin – Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Drug Trade Name: Fragmin

Category: Heparins

Generic Name: dalteparin sodium

Introduction and Quick Information:

Fragmin belongs to a group of anticoagulants that inhibit formation of blood clots in the body. It can also treat Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) that is a type of blood clot that occurs in the lungs of patients who have undergone some surgeries or are bed-ridden for a long time.

In cancer patients, Fragmin can treat a blood clot called Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), if used for a long duration of time.

It is also given in combination with aspirin to people with angina problems to prevent complications associated with blood vessels.

Is it Approved By U.S. FDA?     

On December 22, 1944, U.S. FDA approved Fragmin as an effective drug for the treatment of blood clot-related problems on application from Pfizer Inc., for Eisai, Inc.

Usage and Benefits of Fragmin:

Fragmin is an anticoagulant that can be used for the following purposes:

• Prevention of the blood clot (VTE) in patients suffering from cancer.
• Prevention of the blood clot (DVT) in patients that undergo some surgeries.
• Prevention of the blood vessel complications that occur after heart attacks.
• Minimization of the risk of blood pressure problem as it is used as a blood thinner.

For more detailed information about the benefits of Fragmin can be known after you consult your doctor.

Fragmin Side Effects:

You should be aware of the fact that drugs heal us when we are sick. But sometimes apart from what they are supposed to do, they are also associated with unwelcome side effects. This is because they are made up of chemicals and chemicals have the tendency to react with one or the other chemical present in the body. These side-effects with reference to Fragmin are given below:

• Increased liver enzymes
• Bruising at the injection site
• Blood in the urine
• Dangerous bleeding
• Pain at the injection site
• Bruising at the surgical wound site.

Facing side-effects other than those mentioned above is common because side-effects also depend upon your current medical conditions. Thus prior knowledge of possible side-effects needs to be acquired from the doctor.

General Recommended Dosages of Fragmin:

Recommended dosage of Fragmin to a patient depends upon the reason for which the patient is taking Fragmin. Other factors include weight, functioning of kidney and current medical condition. Thus, you have to go for a complete medical checkup so that your doctor can recommend the best and optimum dosage for you.

 Do not try to take this medication on your own will as it may cause adverse effects to your body.        

In case I Miss The Dose?

Missing a dose can be harmful in case of Fragmin because if you miss a dose then formation of blood clots can rise and this may increase the risk of strokes or heart attacks and can even cause death. Thus, to minimize the risk, take the missed medicine as soon as possible but avoid taking it along with next scheduled dose because it can be harmful and lead to overdosing. It is better to skip the missed dose to stay safe.   

In case I Take Overdose?

Although there are no specific symptoms of the overdose yet it may cause bleeding at a high rate even in small cuts. It may even cause bruising, low blood pressure, black stools and symptoms of bleeding in brain.

You may require immediate medical attention and your doctor’s consultancy in case of overdose to prevent any life-threatening effect on your body.        

Drug Interactions of Fragmin:

Dalteparin sodium (Fragmin) may interact with other prescribed or over the counter medications that you are already taking. Thus, you should be aware of the drug interactions of all the medications you are already taking or planning to take in future. Drug interactions can make your treatment ineffective,  so you must always be cautious and should inform your doctor about all the medication you are taking.

Drug interactions of Fragmin are listed below:

• Aspirin
• Colace
• Ferrous sulfate
• Lasix
• Metformin
• Metronidazole
• Nexium
• Oxycodone
• Protonix
• Reglan
• Vicodin
• Coumadin
• Omeprazole

These interactions depend on the chemical constituents of the medications you are using. So, it is well understood that the above list is not complete because it is not possible to enlist all the drugs with a chemical constituent. Better option is to compare your medication with each other to know whether they interact or not.    

Lifestyle and Food Habits You Must Follow While Taking Fragmin:

Healthy lifestyle and nutritional food habits need to be adopted when on Fragmin. You need to go for a walk daily and perform some simple exercise in order to increase circulation of blood in your body as it reduces the chances of blood clotting. Also prevent yourself from getting involved in situations where risk of bleeding is high like shaving or playing.   

Adding nutritional content to your food can help in the easy and quick healing of wounds in case of cuts as nutrients are essential for activity of white blood cells that are responsible for clotting of blood near cuts and wounds.      

How Safe is Fragmin for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

It has not been assigned any category in the US FDA pregnancy category. Fragmin is considered safe for pregnant ladies because animal studies have failed to show any harm to fetus. Moreover, fragmin does not pass through placenta thereby minimizing the risk of bleeding in fetus. Based on the above-mentioned reasons U.S. FDA has also categorized Fragmin under its pregnancy category B.

Fragmin is also safe for breastfeeding women because a small amount of it passes into breast milk and that also more often than not,  gets deactivated in digestive system of the nursed child.

We recommend going for a doctor’s advice before using Fragmin.       

Complications and Conditions Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Fragmin:

In cancer patients, long term-use of Fragmin is beneficial for the treatment of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). But for others its prolonged use can be harmful as it affects the density of blood. This is helpful for BP patients up to a limit beyond which the concentration of medicine may increase in your blood and contaminate it.

This contamination is harmful as it minimizes the healing power of wounds by white blood cells and may cause excessive bleeding in case of cuts and scrapes.    

Availability of Fragmin:

Fragmin is an injectable drug that is available on prescription at various FDA authorized health centers and government hospitals. And we recommend you to get it injected by a professional healthcare provider rather than injecting it yourself.