Clexane 8000 IU 0.8ml

Drug name: Clexane

Therapeutic actions: Clexane is one of a group of medicines called low molecular weight heparins (LMWH). These medicines work by reducing blood clotting activity. There is no evidence that Clexane is addictive.

Indications:

• treat blood clots
• treat certain types of heart disease (eg. angina and heart attacks), when used with aspirin
• prevent blood clots forming after an operation, during hospitalisation or during purification of the blood by an artificial kidney (haemodialysis).

For the treatment of blood clots which have formed in the leg/deep vein, the usual dose is 1mg/kg body weight twice a day or 1.5mg/kg bodyweight once a day injected under the skin. Warfarin sodium therapy is usually started within 72 hours of Clexane by your doctor.
Clexane is given by an injection under the skin or into the tubing of the dialysis machine. The recommended site for injection is the stomach area. A different injection site should be used for each injection. Do not rub the injection site after administration.

Contraindications and cautions: Do not use Clexane if you have, or have ever had any of the following medical conditions:

• major blood disorders
• certain types of stroke
• stomach or bowel problems such as ulcers or ulcerative colitis.
• bacterial infections in your heart.

Clexane is not recommended for use in children, as the safety and effectiveness of Clexane in this group have not been established.
Do not use Clexane if you have an allergy to Clexane, heparin, its derivatives including other LMWHs, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Clexane may include:

• shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty in breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
• skin rash, itching or hives
• feeling faint

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Adverse effects: The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Common side effects
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and it worries you:

• Bleeding

Less common side effects
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Pain, bruising or irritation at the injection site, after the Clexane has been given.

These side effects are usually mild.

• hard inflammed nodules at the injection site
• itchy red rash at the injection site

These may be serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare. The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

Interactions: Tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine.
Some medicines and Clexane may interfere with each other. These include:

• medicines or substances used to prevent and treat blood clots
• medicines containing aspirin or salicylates
• Dextran 40, a medicine use to treat shock
• medicines used to treat inflammatory disease, such as oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines or corticosteroids

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.