Heparin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Heparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It is a prescription medicine used for blood clot prevention and treatment (injection) and bruises and scars (gel). In Pakistan it is available as injections and gel, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Heparin works

Heparin boosts the action of antithrombin, a natural protein in the blood that switches off key clotting factors such as thrombin. This slows clot formation and stops existing clots from growing while the body breaks them down. On the skin, it is thought to improve local blood flow and help bruising clear.

What is Heparin used for?

• Blood clot prevention and treatment (injection) and bruises and scars (gel)

Heparin injections are used in hospital to prevent and treat blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and to stop blood clotting during dialysis, heart procedures and surgery. Heparin gels and creams are applied to the skin to help bruises, swelling and superficial vein inflammation settle, and are sometimes used to soften scars.

Side effects of Heparin

Side effects of Heparin depend on the form used. The more common ones are:

• Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
• Bleeding more easily (injection)
• Pain or irritation where injected
• Skin redness or itching (gel)

Get urgent medical help for bleeding that will not stop, blood in urine, black stools, vomiting blood or a severe headache. A new painful swollen leg or sudden breathlessness can signal a rare reaction called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and also needs urgent care.

Precautions and warnings

• Injections are given by healthcare staff, with blood tests to check clotting and platelet levels.
• Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, a recent stroke or surgery, severe liver or kidney disease, or high blood pressure.
• Let your doctor know about other blood thinners and medicines such as aspirin, clopidogrel and anti-inflammatory painkillers.
• Do not apply the gel to broken skin, open wounds, bleeding areas or the eyes.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss treatment with your doctor; heparins are often the preferred blood thinners in pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions about Heparin

What is the price of Heparin in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Heparin products currently in stock range from Rs 47 to Rs 2,340 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Heparinol 1000iu Injection at Rs 47. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Heparin are available in Pakistan?

Heparin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Heparinol (Biomedics), Contractubex (Brookes Pharmaceutical Labs (Pak) Ltd), Heparin (Leo Pharmaceutical Products) and Multiparin (Bio Pharma).

Do I need a prescription for Heparin?

Yes. Heparin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Heparin be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss treatment with your doctor; heparins are often the preferred blood thinners in pregnancy.

Are all Heparin brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Heparin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Heparin brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 5 products containing Heparin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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