Heparin Sodium
Indications
Registered South African indications:
- Circulatory disorders
- Accidents and injuries
Cautions
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
Cautions
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Elderly
- Contact with the eyes
- Open wounds
Adult dosage
Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: gel
Circulatory disorders
- Superficial phlebitis
- Thrombophlebitis
- Varicose veins
- Indolent ulcers and bed sores
- External haemorrhoids
Accidents and injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Contusions
- Grass burns
- Haematomas
- Scar tissue (to prevent formation of keloid tissue)
- Topical (gel): Apply thin layer to affected area(s), 8-12hrly
The gel does not need to be rubbed or massaged into the skin
Apply gel around fringes of an open wound, and not on the wound itself
Paediatric dosage
No information available
Special populations
Pregnancy
- Caution; no information available
- There are currently no data available for the use of topical heparin sodium gel in pregnancy
- Systemic heparin does not cross the placenta and can be used during all trimesters of pregnancy if clinically needed
- The decision to use heparin in pregnancy should be taken after evaluation of the risk/benefit in any particular circumstance
- Reduced bone density has been reported with prolonged systemic heparin treatment during pregnancy
Breastfeeding
- Caution; no information available
- There are currently no data available for the use of topical heparin sodium gel in breastfeeding women
- Systemic heparin does not appear in breast milk and can be used in breastfeeding women
Fertility
- There are no clinical studies with heparin regarding fertility
Renal Impairment
Hepatic Impairment
Elderly
Porphyria Information
Drugs in Sport
- Permitted - No warnings
Adverse reactions
None known
Interactions
No information available
Monitoring
None routine
Mechanism of action
Heparin assists in strengthening and supporting the connective tissue, such that scar tissue regains elasticity and strength. Heparin also has antiphlogistic and anti-exudative effects, alleviating pain, promoting tissue metabolism and the healing process.
Dosage forms
- Jel, topical external
Formulation
Gel (per 100g) 20 000 i.u
- Thrombophob gel (Sanofi) originator
References
1. PI: Thrombophob gel, Winthrop. Date of publication: 31 March 1995 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M8b9zKy9LRPx26yCg9514MLtqL8Kqe96] 2. SmPC: Heparin sodium 1,000 I.U./ml (5,000 I.U. in 5ml) Solution for infusion, Wockhardt UK Ltd; Last updated on eMC: 09 May 2018; Downloaded online 17 Sep 2018 [https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1679/smpc] 3. U2D: Heparin (unfractionated): Drug information, UpToDate; Downloaded online 30 Oct 2020 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M8b9zKy9LRPx26yCg9514MLtqL8Kqe96] 4. NAPOS The Drug Database for Acute Porphyria: C05BA03 Heparin; Accessed online 30 Oct 2020 [http://www.drugs-porphyria.org/languages/UnitedKingdom/s3.php?atc_code=C05BA03&l=gbr] 5. South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport: Thrombophob Gel; Accessed online 30 Oct 2020 [http://www.drugfreesport.org.za/online-medication-check/] 6. SmPC: Heparin (Mucous) Injection BP 5,000 IU, Leo Laboratories Limited; Last updated on eMC: 5 Oct 2020; Downloaded online 30 Oct 2020 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M8b9zKy9LRPx26yCg9514MLtqL8Kqe96 Update 30 Oct 2020: NO SPC or U2D for topical heparin - in line with previous references, update done with PI and latest heparin SPC (ref 6)
Brands & products
1 product · cached snapshot- Thrombophob gel
JELJel, topical external· 1 product
from R93.74| Product | Strength | Pack | Applicant | Min price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrombophob Gel | 20000 iu/100g | 25 | Sanofi Aventis South Africa (Pty) Ltd | R93.74 |
Medical aid coverage
data not yet integrated- Comprehensive Series—
- Executive Plan—
- KeyCare Series—
- Priority Series—
- Saver Series—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- BonClassic—
- BonComprehensive—
- BonEssential—
- BonFit Select—
- BonSave—
- BonStart—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- Beryl—
- Emerald—
- Onyx—
- Ruby—
- Sapphire—
- Tanzanite One—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- Aquarium Option—
- Efficiency Option—
- Marine Option—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.