RECENT MAJOR CHANGES SECTION

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES

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INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION

Highlight: HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION is an anticoagulant indicated for (1):

• Prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
• Prophylaxis and treatment of the thromboembolic complications associated with atrial fibrillation
• Treatment of acute and chronic consumption coagulopathies
• Prevention of clotting in arterial and cardiac surgery
• Prophylaxis and treatment of peripheral arterial embolism
• Anticoagulant use in transfusion, extracorporeal circulation, and dialysis procedures

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION is indicated for:

• Prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism;
• Prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic complications associated with atrial fibrillation;
• Treatment of acute and chronic consumption coagulopathies (disseminated intravascular coagulation);
• Prevention of clotting in arterial and cardiac surgery;
• Prophylaxis and treatment of peripheral arterial embolism;
• Anticoagulant use in blood transfusions, extracorporeal circulation, and dialysis procedures.

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CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION

Highlight: * History of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITTS) (4)

• History of thrombocytopenia with pentosan polysulfate (4)
• Known hypersensitivity to heparin or pork products (4)
• In whom suitable blood coagulation tests cannot be performed at appropriate intervals (4)
• An uncontrollable bleeding state, except when this is due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (4)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

The use of HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION is contraindicated in patients:

• History of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis
• History of thrombocytopenia with pentosan polysulfate
• Known hypersensitivity to heparin or pork products (e.g., anaphylactoid reactions) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]
• In whom suitable blood coagulation tests (e.g., whole-blood clotting time, partial thromboplastin time) cannot be performed at appropriate intervals. This contraindication refers to full-dose heparin regimens only; there is usually no need to monitor coagulation parameters in patients receiving low-dose heparin
• An uncontrollable bleeding state [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)], except when this is due to disseminated intravascular coagulation

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION

Highlight: * Fatal Medication Errors: Confirm choice of correct strength prior to administration (5.1)

• Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage, including fatal events, has occurred in patients receiving heparin. Use caution in conditions with increased risk of hemorrhage (5.2)
• HIT and HITTS: Monitor for signs and symptoms and discontinue if indicative of HIT and HITTS (5.3)
• Benzyl Alcohol Toxicity: Use preservative-free formulation in neonates and infants (5.4)
• Monitoring: Blood coagulation tests guide therapy for full-dose heparin. Periodically monitor platelet count, hematocrit, and occult blood in stool in all patients receiving heparin (5.5, 5.6)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Fatal Medication Errors

Do not use HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION as a "catheter lock flush" product. HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION is supplied in vials containing various strengths of heparin, including vials that contain a highly concentrated solution of 10,000 units in 1 mL. Fatal hemorrhages have occurred due to medication errors. Carefully examine all HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION vials to confirm the correct vial choice prior to administration of the drug.

5.2 Hemorrhage

Avoid using heparin in the presence of major bleeding, except when the benefits of heparin therapy outweigh the potential risks.

Hemorrhage, including fatal events, has occurred in patients receiving heparin. Hemorrhage can occur at virtually any site in patients receiving heparin. Adrenal hemorrhage (with resultant acute adrenal insufficiency), ovarian hemorrhage, and retroperitoneal hemorrhage have occurred during anticoagulant therapy with heparin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1]). A higher incidence of bleeding has been reported in patients, particularly women, over 60 years of age [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. An unexplained fall in hematocrit or fall in blood pressure should lead to serious consideration of a hemorrhagic event.

Use heparin sodium with caution in disease states in which there is increased risk of hemorrhage, including:

• Cardiovascular – Subacute bacterial endocarditis, severe hypertension.
• Surgical – During and immediately following: (a) spinal puncture or spinal anesthesia or (b) major surgery, especially involving the brain, spinal cord, or eye.
• Hematologic – Conditions associated with increased bleeding tendencies, such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, and some vascular purpuras.
• Patients with hereditary antithrombin III deficiency receiving concurrent antithrombin III therapy – The anticoagulant effect of heparin is enhanced by concurrent treatment with antithrombin III (human) in patients with hereditary antithrombin III deficiency. To reduce the risk of bleeding, reduce the heparin dose during concomitant treatment with antithrombin III (human).
• Gastrointestinal – Ulcerative lesions, continuous tube drainage of the stomach or small intestine, and clinical settings in which stress-induced gastrointestinal hemorrhage is possible.
• Other – Menstruation, liver disease with impaired hemostasis, severe renal disease, or in patients with indwelling catheters.

5.3 Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

and Thrombosis

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious antibody-mediated reaction resulting from irreversible aggregation of platelets. HIT occurs in patients treated with heparin and is due to the development of antibodies to a platelet Factor 4-heparin complex that induce in vivo platelet aggregation. HIT may progress to the development of venous and arterial thromboses, a condition known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT). Thrombotic events may also be the initial presentation for HITT. These serious thromboembolic events include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebral vein thrombosis, limb ischemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, mesenteric thrombosis, renal arterial thrombosis, skin necrosis, gangrene of the extremities that may lead to amputation, and possibly death. Monitor thrombocytopenia of any degree closely. If the platelet count falls below 100,000/mm3 or if recurrent thrombosis develops, promptly discontinue heparin, evaluate for HIT and HITT, and, if necessary, administer an alternative anticoagulant. HIT and HITT can occur up to several weeks after the discontinuation of heparin therapy. Patients presenting with thrombocytopenia or thrombosis after discontinuation of heparin should be evaluated for HIT and HITT.

5.4 Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions in Infants due to Benzyl Alcohol

Preservative

Use preservative-free HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION in neonates and infants.

Serious and fatal adverse reactions including "gasping syndrome" can occur in neonates and low-birth weight infants treated with benzyl alcohol-preserved formulation in infusion solutions, including HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION. The "gasping syndrome" is characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, and gasping respirations.

When prescribing HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION in infants consider the combined daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from all sources including HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION (HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION contains 9.45 mg of benzyl alcohol per mL) and other drugs containing benzyl alcohol. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

5.5 Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia in patients receiving heparin has been reported at frequencies up to 30%. It can occur 2 to 20 days (average 5 to 9) following the onset of heparin therapy. Obtain platelet counts before and periodically during heparin therapy. Monitor thrombocytopenia of any degree closely. If the count falls below 100,000/mm3 or if recurrent thrombosis develops, promptly discontinue heparin, evaluate for HIT and HITT, and, if necessary, administer an alternative anticoagulant [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

5.6 Coagulation Testing and Monitoring

When using a full dose heparin regimen, adjust the heparin dose based on frequent blood coagulation tests. If the coagulation test is unduly prolonged or if hemorrhage occurs, discontinue heparin promptly [see Overdosage (10)]. Periodically monitor platelet counts, hematocrit, and occult blood in stool during the entire course of heparin therapy, regardless of the route of administration [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

5.7 Heparin Resistance

Resistance to heparin is frequently encountered in fever, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, infections with thrombosing tendencies, myocardial infarction, cancer, in postsurgical patients, and patients with antithrombin III deficiency. Close monitoring of coagulation tests is recommended in these cases. Adjustment of heparin doses based on anti-Factor Xa levels may be warranted.

5.8 Hypersensitivity

Patients with documented hypersensitivity to heparin should be given the drug only in clearly life-threatening situations.

Because HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION is derived from animal tissue, it should be used with caution in patients with a history of allergy.

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USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION

Highlight: * Pregnancy: Preservative-free formulation recommended. (8.1)

• Lactation: Preservative-free formulation recommended. (8.2)
• Pediatric Use: Use preservative-free formulation in neonates and infants (8.4)

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no available data on heparin sodium use in pregnant women to infor a drug associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In published reports, heparin exposure during pregnancy did not show evidence of an increased risk of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes in humans. No teratogenicity, but early embryo-fetal death was observed in animal reproductive studies with administration of heparin sodium to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses approximately 10 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 40,000 USP units/24 hours infusion (see Data). Consider the benefits and risks of HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION to a pregnant woman and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION to a pregnant woman.

If available, preservative-free HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION is recommended when heparin therapy is needed during pregnancy. There are no known adverse outcomes associated with fetal exposure to the preservative benzyl alcohol through maternal drug administration; however, the preservative benzyl alcohol can cause serious adverse events and death when administered intravenously to neonates and infants [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.

Data

Human Data

The maternal and fetal outcomes associated with uses of heparin via various dosing methods and administration routes during pregnancy have been investigated in numerous studies. These studies generally reported normal deliveries with no maternal or fetal bleeding and no other complications.

Animal Data

In a published study conducted in rats and rabbits, pregnant animals received heparin intravenously during organogenesis at a dose of 10,000 units/kg/day, approximately 10 times the maximum human daily dose based on body weight. The number of early resorptions increased in both species. There was no evidence of teratogenic effects.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of heparin in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Due to its large molecular weight, heparin is not likely to be excreted in human milk, and any heparin in milk would not be orally absorbed by a breastfed child. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION or from the underlying maternal condition. Benzyl alcohol present in maternal serum is likely to cross into human milk and may be orally absorbed by a nursing infant [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

8.4 Pediatric Use

There are no adequate and well controlled studies on heparin use in pediatric patients. Pediatric dosing recommendations are based on clinical experience [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

Carefully examine all HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION vials to confirm choice of the correct strength prior to administration of the drug. Pediatric patients, including neonates, have died as a result of medication errors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Benzyl Alcohol Toxicity

Use preservative-free HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION in neonates and infants.

Serious adverse reactions including fatal reactions and the "gasping syndrome" occurred in premature neonates and low-birth weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit who received benzyl alcohol as a preservative in infusion solutions. In these cases, benzyl alcohol dosages of 99 to 234 mg/kg/day produced high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites in the blood and urine (blood levels of benzyl alcohol were 0.61 to 1.378 mmol/L). Additional adverse reactions included gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Preterm, low-birth weight infants may be more likely to develop these reactions because they may be less able to metabolize benzyl alcohol.

When prescribing HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION in infants consider the combined daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from all sources including HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION (HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION contains 9.45 mg of benzyl alcohol) and other drugs containing benzyl alcohol. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

There are limited adequate and well-controlled studies in patients 65 years and older, however a higher incidence of bleeding has been reported in patients over 60 years of age, especially women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Lower doses of heparin may be indicated in these patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

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NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY SECTION

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No long-term studies in animals have been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential of heparin. No studies in animals have been performed addressing mutagenesis or impairment of fertility.

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INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Hemorrhage

Inform patients that it may take them longer than usual to stop bleeding, that they may bruise and/or bleed more easily when they are treated with heparin, and that they should report any unusual bleeding or bruising to their physician. Hemorrhage can occur at virtually any site in patients receiving heparin. Fatal hemorrhages have occurred [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Prior to Surgery

Advise patients to inform physicians and dentists that they are receiving heparin before any surgery is scheduled [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Inform patients of the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT may progress to the development of venous and arterial thromboses, a condition known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT). HIT and HITT can occur up to several weeks after the discontinuation of heparin therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Hypersensitivity

Inform patients that generalized hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. Necrosis of the skin has been reported at the site of subcutaneous injection of heparin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Other Medications

Because of the risk of hemorrhage, advise patients to inform their physicians and dentists of all medications they are taking, including non-prescription medications, and before starting any new medication [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

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HOW SUPPLIED SECTION

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTIONpreservative-free is available in the following strengths and package sizes:

HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION preserved withbenzyl alcohol is available in the following strengths and package sizes:

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Use only if solution is clear and the seal is intact. Do not use if solution is discolored or contains a precipitate.

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