Fragmin

Poland
Brand name Fragmin
Form solution for injection
Active substance / Dosage
dalteparin sodium · 12 500 IU
Prescription type Prescription only
ATC code
Registration number 100110004
Fragmin solution for injection

Package leaflet: information for the patient

FRAGMIN 2,500 IU anti-Xa/0.2 ml, solution for injection
FRAGMIN 5,000 IU anti-Xa/0.2 ml, solution for injection
FRAGMIN 7,500 IU anti-Xa/0.3 ml, solution for injection
FRAGMIN 10,000 IU anti-Xa/0.4 ml, solution for injection
FRAGMIN 12,500 IU anti-Xa/0.5 ml, solution for injection
FRAGMIN 15,000 IU anti-Xa/0.6 ml, solution for injection
FRAGMIN 18,000 IU anti-Xa/0.72 ml, solution for injection
Dalteparinum natricum
Please read carefully the entire leaflet before using the medicine, as it contains
important information for the patient.

  • Keep this leaflet, so that you can read it again if necessary.
  • If you have any doubts, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for a specific individual. Do not give it to others. The medicine may harm another person, even if their symptoms are the same.
  • If you experience any adverse effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, tell your doctor or pharmacist. See section 4.

Table of contents

  1. What Fragmin is and what it is used for
  2. Important information before using Fragmin
  3. How to use Fragmin
  4. Possible side effects
  5. How to store Fragmin
  6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Fragmin is and what it is used for

Fragmin is an anticoagulant medicine containing dalteparin sodium. Dalteparin sodium is a low-molecular-weight heparin. The anticoagulant effect of dalteparin is related to its ability to enhance inhibition of factor Xa and thrombin.

Fragmin is indicated for use in adult patients aged over 18 years for:

  • Treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis.
  • Unstable coronary artery disease (e.g. resting angina, non-Q-wave myocardial infarction).
  • Long-term treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolic disease (proximal deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) to reduce recurrence of thromboembolic disease in patients with cancer.
  • Prevention of blood clotting in extracorporeal circulation, e.g. during hemodialysis and hemofiltration in acute or chronic renal failure.
  • Prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications associated with surgical procedures.
  • Thromboprophylaxis in medically ill, immobilized patients: with congestive heart failure in NYHA class III or IV or acute respiratory failure, acute infection, acute rheumatic disease or acute inflammatory bowel disease, and at least one additional risk factor for deep vein thrombosis, e.g. age over 75 years, obesity, cancer, or history of deep vein thrombosis.

Fragmin is indicated for use in children for:

  • Treatment of blood clots in veins (venous thromboembolic disease (VTE)) in children and adolescents aged 1 month and older.

2. Important information before using Fragmin

When not to use Fragmin

  • if the patient is allergic to dalteparin sodium or another low molecular weight heparin, or unfractionated heparin, or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6);
  • confirmed or suspected immune-mediated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia;
  • active bleeding, e.g. from the gastrointestinal tract or cerebral vessels;
  • severe coagulation disorders;
  • acute or subacute bacterial endocarditis;
  • recent trauma or surgical procedures involving the central nervous system, eyes and/or ears. Due to the increased risk of bleeding, high doses of dalteparin sodium (used, for example, in the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and unstable angina) must not be administered to patients undergoing spinal or epidural anaesthesia or other procedures requiring lumbar puncture.

Warnings and precautions
Before starting treatment with Fragmin, discuss the following with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • In patients scheduled for spinal (epidural or intrathecal) anaesthesia or lumbar puncture. Patients receiving anticoagulant medicines such as low molecular weight heparins or heparinoids for the prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk of developing epidural or intraspinal haematoma, which may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. The risk of such complications is increased by the placement of an indwelling epidural catheter for the administration of anaesthetic agents and by concomitant use of drugs affecting haemostasis, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, and other anticoagulants. Traumatic or repeated epidural or lumbar puncture also appears to increase this risk. Such patients should be closely monitored, with frequent assessment of neurological signs and symptoms.
  • In patients with: thrombocytopenia, platelet function disorders, severe hepatic or renal insufficiency, untreated or uncontrolled hypertension, or hypertensive or diabetic retinopathy. High doses of dalteparin sodium, such as those required for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or unstable angina, should be used with caution in patients who have recently undergone surgery or have other conditions that may increase the risk of bleeding.
  • For thromboprophylaxis, insertion or removal of an epidural catheter or spinal puncture should be performed 10–12 hours after the last dose of dalteparin. In patients receiving higher doses of Fragmin (e.g. 100–120 IU/kg body weight every 12 hours or 200 IU/kg body weight once daily), the interval should be at least 24 hours.
  • In patients who have received epidural or intrathecal anaesthesia, neurological monitoring should be performed for signs of neurological impairment such as back pain, numbness or weakness in the lower limbs, or disturbances in bowel and bladder function. If any of these symptoms occur, the nurse or doctor should be notified immediately.
  • In patients suspected of developing epidural or intraspinal haematoma, treatment may require surgical decompression of the spinal cord.
  • In patients with prosthetic heart valves. Prophylactic doses of Fragmin are not sufficient to prevent thrombosis on the valves in these patients.
  • In patients with pulmonary embolism who also have circulatory disturbances, hypotension, or are in shock, due to lack of clinical experience with Fragmin in such cases.
  • In patients who develop rapidly progressing or severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count less than 100,000/µl or mm³) during treatment. The doctor should order platelet counts before starting treatment with Fragmin and monitor them regularly during therapy. In all such cases, an in vitro test for platelet antibodies in the presence of unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparins is recommended. If the test result is positive or ambiguous, or if such testing is not performed, the doctor should discontinue treatment with Fragmin.
  • In paediatric patients, patients with renal impairment, patients with severe underweight or obesity, pregnant women, or patients at increased risk of bleeding or recurrent thrombosis, the doctor may consider monitoring the anticoagulant effect of dalteparin sodium. The doctor will recommend appropriate tests.
  • In patients undergoing long-term dialysis, the doctor will recommend appropriate dose adjustment based on anti-Xa activity testing. In patients undergoing emergency haemodialysis, frequent monitoring of anti-Xa activity is required.
  • In patients with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (unstable coronary artery disease) who have experienced a transmural myocardial infarction. The doctor may recommend thrombolytic therapy (to restore blood flow in a blocked or narrowed blood vessel). Concomitant use of Fragmin and thrombolytic agents increases the risk of bleeding, but this does not mean that Fragmin should be discontinued.
  • In patients with unstable coronary artery disease treated long-term with Fragmin and with impaired renal function (creatinine concentration >150 µmol/l). In such patients, the doctor may consider reducing the dose.
  • In patients with latex allergy (natural rubber) or suspected latex allergy, or in individuals who may come into contact with the needle cover of the Fragmin pre-filled syringe. The needle cover of the Fragmin pre-filled syringe may contain latex (natural rubber). Severe allergic reactions may occur in individuals with latex hypersensitivity. Due to the risk of haematoma, intramuscular injections should be avoided in patients treated with Fragmin at daily doses exceeding 5,000 IU.

Interchangeability with other anticoagulant medicines
Dalteparin should not be used interchangeably (unit for unit) with unfractionated heparin, other low molecular weight heparins, or synthetic polysaccharides. Each of these medicines differs in terms of raw materials, manufacturing process, and physicochemical, biological, and clinical properties, leading to differences in dosing and possibly also clinical efficacy and safety. Each of these medicines is unique and requires adherence to specific medical recommendations for use.

Children
Fragmin should not be used in neonates below 1 month of age.

Fragmin with other medicines
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines currently or recently taken, as well as any medicines you plan to take.
Some medicines may affect the action of Fragmin, and Fragmin may reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken simultaneously.
Thrombolytic therapy (clot-dissolving) or certain medicines affecting blood coagulation may increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with Fragmin:

  • aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid);
  • platelet aggregation inhibitors (used to reduce platelet aggregation and the risk of blood clot formation);
  • thrombolytic agents (used to dissolve blood clots);
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions);
  • GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists (affecting platelet aggregation, used in the treatment of heart disease);
  • vitamin K antagonists and other types of anticoagulants;
  • dextran (used in certain artificial tears).

Medicines that increase the effect of Fragmin:

  • medicines used to thin the blood (dipyridamole);
  • certain medicines used in the treatment of gout (e.g. sulfinpyrazone, probenecid);
  • certain diuretics (e.g. ethacrynic acid);
  • solutions administered to increase blood volume;
  • cytostatic agents (used in cancer treatment).

Medicines that may reduce the effect of Fragmin:

  • medicines used to treat allergies and hay fever (e.g. antihistamines);
  • medicines used to treat heart failure and circulatory disorders (e.g. cardiac glycosides such as digoxin, digitoxin);
  • tetracycline antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections;
  • vitamin C (e.g. contained in vitamin preparations).

Other medicines that may affect the action of Fragmin:

  • medicines used to treat angina pectoris (e.g. intravenous nitroglycerin);
  • antibiotics such as high-dose penicillins used to treat bacterial infections;
  • medicines used for the prevention and treatment of malaria (e.g. quinine);
  • nicotine from tobacco smoking or smoking cessation products.

Please note that if a patient is being treated with Fragmin for unstable coronary artery disease, the doctor may adjust the dose of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) accordingly.
Dosing recommendations for children are based on clinical experience; clinical trial data are too limited for the doctor to determine an appropriate Fragmin dose.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility

If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, suspects she may be pregnant, or is planning to have a child, she should consult her doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.

Pregnancy
This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary.

Breastfeeding
Small amounts of dalteparin sodium pass into human milk. A risk to breastfed infants cannot be excluded. Fragmin should be used during breastfeeding, taking into account the benefits of breastfeeding for the infant and the benefits of therapy for the mother.

Fertility
There are no data indicating an effect of Fragmin on fertility.

Driving and using machines
Fragmin has no influence on the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Fragmin contains sodium
Fragmin 2,500 IU anti-Xa/0.2 ml, Fragmin 5,000 IU anti-Xa/0.2 ml, Fragmin 7,500 IU anti-Xa/0.3 ml, Fragmin 10,000 IU anti-Xa/0.4 ml, Fragmin 12,500 IU anti-Xa/0.5 ml, Fragmin 15,000 IU anti-Xa/0.6 ml, and Fragmin 18,000 IU anti-Xa/0.72 ml contain less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per pre-filled syringe, meaning these medicines are considered "sodium-free". Patients on a low-sodium diet and parents of children treated with Fragmin may be informed that these medicines are essentially "sodium-free".
This medicine may be diluted with solutions containing sodium. Inform your doctor if the patient or child is on a low-sodium diet.

3. How to use Fragmin

This medicine should always be used exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If in doubt,
consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Fragmin is administered subcutaneously, intravenously, or extracorporeally (in the dialysis circuit).
Fragmin must not be administered intramuscularly.
For the treatment of blood clots in patients, Fragmin is given subcutaneously.
If the patient is undergoing hemodialysis or hemofiltration (procedures used to clean the blood),
Fragmin is administered intravenously or into the dialysis tubing.
Dalteparin may be mixed with isotonic infusion solutions of sodium chloride (9 mg/ml) or glucose
(50 mg/ml) in glass bottles and plastic containers.
Dosage and method of administration
Treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis
Fragmin may be administered subcutaneously once or twice daily.
During treatment with Fragmin, concomitant administration of vitamin K antagonists may be initiated.
Fragmin should be continued until the levels of the prothrombin complex factors (factors II,
VII, IX, X) have decreased to therapeutic levels. This usually occurs after approximately 5 days of
combined treatment. Outpatient treatment is possible using the same doses as those used in hospital.
Once-daily administration
Dose of 200 I.U./kg body weight administered subcutaneously once daily. Monitoring of
anticoagulant effect is not required. A single daily dose exceeding 18,000 I.U. should not be used.
Dosing from single-use pre-filled syringes can be determined according to the table below.

Body weight (kg)Dose
46 – 5610,000 IU
57 – 6812,500 IU
69 – 8215,000 IU
83 and above18,000 IU

Administration twice daily
Alternatively, a dose of 100 IU/kg body weight may be administered subcutaneously twice daily. Routine monitoring of anticoagulant effect is generally not required; however, it should be considered in selected patients (see section 2: Warnings and precautions). Blood samples should be taken at the time of peak plasma concentration (3 to 4 hours after subcutaneous injection). Recommended peak plasma concentrations range from 0.5 to 1.0 IU anti-Xa/mL.

Prevention of blood coagulation in extracorporeal circulation, e.g. during hemodialysis and hemofiltration in acute or chronic renal failure
Fragmin should be administered into the arterial line of the dialysis device or intravenously, selecting the most appropriate of the dosing regimens described below.

  • Patients with chronic renal failure and without documented increased risk of bleeding
    These patients usually require only minor dose adjustments; therefore, frequent monitoring of anti-Xa activity is not generally required in most patients.

  • Hemodialysis and hemofiltration lasting no longer than 4 hours
    At the beginning of the procedure, a single intravenous bolus injection may be given either intravenously or into the extracorporeal arterial line. The recommended initial dose is 5,000 IU; alternatively, a lower initial dose may be used when clinically indicated. The initial dose of 5,000 IU for the single bolus regimen may be adjusted from session to session based on the outcome of the previous dialysis; the dose may be gradually increased or decreased by 500 or 1,000 IU until a satisfactory effect is achieved. Alternatively, an intravenous bolus injection of 30 to 40 IU/kg total body weight may be given, followed by a continuous intravenous infusion of 10 to 15 IU/kg body weight/hour.

  • Hemodialysis and hemofiltration lasting longer than 4 hours
    A single intravenous bolus injection of 30 to 40 IU/kg body weight, followed by a continuous intravenous infusion at a rate of 10 to 15 IU/kg body weight/hour.

  • Patients with acute renal failure or with increased risk of bleeding
    Intravenous bolus injection of 5 to 10 IU/kg body weight, followed by continuous intravenous infusion of 4 to 5 IU/kg body weight/hour. These patients may be more unstable and may require monitoring of anti-Xa levels. Plasma anti-Xa concentration should be maintained within the range of 0.2–0.4 IU/mL.

Prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications associated with surgical procedures
Fragmin should be administered subcutaneously. Routine monitoring of anticoagulant effect is generally not required. If monitoring is performed, blood samples should be taken at the time of peak plasma concentration (3 to 4 hours after subcutaneous injection). Recommended doses generally achieve peak plasma activity within the range of 0.1 to 0.4 IU anti-Xa/mL.

General surgical procedures
Select the appropriate dosing regimen from those listed below.

  • Patients at risk of thromboembolic complications
    2,500 IU subcutaneously 2 hours before surgery, followed by 2,500 IU subcutaneously each morning after surgery until patient mobilization (usually for 5 to 7 days or longer).

  • Patients with additional risk factors for thromboembolic complications (e.g. cancer)
    Administer Fragmin until patient mobilization (usually for 5 to 7 days or longer).

    1. Initiation of treatment the day before surgery: 5,000 IU subcutaneously in the evening before surgery. After surgery, administer 5,000 IU subcutaneously each evening.
    2. Initiation of treatment on the day of surgery: 2,500 IU subcutaneously within 2 hours before surgery and 2,500 IU subcutaneously 8 to 12 hours later, but not earlier than 4 hours after completion of surgery. From the next day after surgery, administer 5,000 IU subcutaneously each morning.

Orthopedic surgery (e.g. hip replacement surgery)
Administer Fragmin for up to 5 weeks after surgery, selecting one of the following treatment regimens:

  1. Initiation before surgery – evening before surgery: 5,000 IU subcutaneously in the evening before surgery, followed by 5,000 IU subcutaneously each evening after surgery.
  2. Initiation before surgery – day of surgery: 2,500 IU subcutaneously within 2 hours before surgery and 2,500 IU subcutaneously 8 to 12 hours later, but not earlier than 4 hours after completion of surgery. From the day after surgery, administer 5,000 IU subcutaneously daily in the morning.
  3. Initiation after surgery: 2,500 IU subcutaneously 4 to 8 hours after surgery, but not earlier than 4 hours after completion of surgery. From the day after surgery, administer 5,000 IU subcutaneously daily.

Prophylaxis of acute deep vein thrombosis in medically immobilized patients
The recommended dose of Fragmin is 5,000 IU once daily. Treatment with dalteparin sodium should continue until the end of the immobilization period, for up to 14 days or longer. Routine monitoring of anticoagulant effect is generally not required.

Duration of administration
Thromboprophylaxis in patients with significantly increased risk of thromboembolic complications, temporarily immobilized due to severe illness such as heart failure, respiratory failure, or severe infection, should be continued until full mobilization of the patient. The duration of treatment depends on the patient's condition and usually lasts 14 days.

Method of administration
The drop at the tip of the needle should be removed before injection, as the presence of dalteparin sodium in the injection channel may lead to a harmless superficial hematoma or, rarely, local irritation.

For detailed instructions on administration, see section below How to inject Fragmin.

Unstable coronary artery disease (unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction)
Routine monitoring of anticoagulant effect is generally not required; however, it should be considered in selected patients (see section 2: Warnings and precautions). Blood samples should be taken at the time of peak plasma concentration (3 to 4 hours after subcutaneous injection). Recommended peak plasma anti-Xa activity ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 IU/mL. Concomitant administration of acetylsalicylic acid (in a dose of 75 to 325 mg/day) is recommended. Administer Fragmin at a dose of 120 IU/kg body weight subcutaneously every 12 hours, up to a maximum dose of 10,000 IU/12 hours. Continue treatment until clinical stabilization of the patient (usually for at least 6 days) or longer if considered beneficial by the physician. Thereafter, prolonged treatment with a fixed dose of Fragmin is recommended until revascularization procedure (such as percutaneous intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting). Fragmin should not be used for longer than 45 days. The dose of Fragmin is determined according to patient's sex and body weight:

  • For women with body weight less than 80 kg and men with body weight less than 70 kg: administer 5,000 IU subcutaneously every 12 hours.
  • For women with body weight at least 80 kg and men with body weight at least 70 kg: administer 7,500 IU subcutaneously every 12 hours.

Long-term treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolic disease (proximal deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) to reduce recurrence of thromboembolic events in cancer patients
Month 1
During the first 30 days of treatment, Fragmin should be administered once daily subcutaneously (sc.) at a dose of 200 IU/kg body weight. The total daily dose should not exceed 18,000 IU.

Months 2–6
Fragmin should be administered once daily subcutaneously at a dose of approximately 150 IU/kg body weight. The volume of the pre-filled syringe to be used is determined according to the table below.

Body weight (kg)Fragmin dose (IU)
≤567,500
57 - 6810,000
69 - 8212,500
83 - 9815,000
≥9918,000

Reduction of dose in the case of thrombocytopenia during chemotherapy
The following dosing guidelines were used in clinical studies:
In the case of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia with platelet count <50,000/mm³,
administration of Fragmin should be withheld until the platelet count returns to above
50,000/mm³. If the platelet count is between 50,000 and 100,000/mm³,
the dose of Fragmin should be reduced by 17% to 33% of the initial dose (depending on the patient's body weight).
Once the platelet count returns to ≥100,000/mm³, the full dose of Fragmin should be resumed.
Table 1. Dose reduction of Fragmin in case of thrombocytopenia in the range
50,000 – 100,000/mm³, dosing using single-dose pre-filled syringes

Body weight (kg)Planned Fragmin dose (IU)Reduced Fragmin dose (IU)Mean dose reduction (%)
≤567,5005,00033
57–6810,0007,50025
69–8212,50010,00020
83–9815,00012,50017
≥9918,00015,00017

Renal impairment
In cases of severe renal impairment defined as creatinine concentration exceeding
3 times the upper limit of normal, the dose of Fragmin should be adjusted to maintain
anti-Xa levels within the therapeutic range of 1 IU/ml (range 0.5–1.5 IU/ml), measured 4–6 hours after
injection. If anti-Xa levels are below or above the therapeutic range, the dose of Fragmin should be
appropriately increased or decreased. Anti-Xa level measurement should be repeated after administering 3–4 injections at the newly adjusted dose. This dose adjustment procedure should be repeated until anti-Xa levels reach the therapeutic range.

Use in children and adolescents
Treatment of blood clots in veins (venous thromboembolic disease (VTE))
Recommended doses depend on the child's body weight and age group and will be calculated by the physician.
The physician will inform you of the individualized dose of Fragmin according to these criteria. Do not alter the dosing regimen or schedule without consulting your doctor.
The recommended initial doses for children and adolescents according to their age are as follows:
Children aged 1 month to below 2 years: 150 IU/kg body weight twice daily.
Children aged 2 years to below 8 years: 125 IU/kg body weight twice daily.
Children aged 8 to below 18 years: 100 IU/kg body weight twice daily.
The effect of Fragmin is monitored after administration of the initial dose, and the dose will then be adjusted based on blood test results.

How to inject Fragmin
Fragmin is administered subcutaneously. This section of the leaflet explains how to administer Fragmin to yourself or your child. Follow these instructions only after proper training by a healthcare professional. If you are unsure what to do, contact your doctor immediately. Administer (inject) the dose of Fragmin at the times of day recommended by your doctor.
If dilution of Fragmin is required before administration to children, it should be performed by trained medical personnel. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the method and timing of administration of the diluted solution.

Perform the following steps
Step 1: Preparing the pre-filled syringe for injection of Fragmin
Remove the cap from the pre-filled syringe. An air bubble will appear in the syringe.
It should remain near the plunger and should not be expelled before injection.
The pre-filled syringe is ready for injection. Proceed to step 2.

The Needle-Trap needle safety system has been specifically designed to prevent accidental needlestick injuries after proper administration of Fragmin. It consists of a plastic safety device attached to the label affixed to the syringe. It serves to prevent accidental needlesticks after correct injection of Fragmin. The Needle-Trap safety mechanism includes a plastic tab (catch) positioned parallel along the needle, securely attached to the label on the syringe barrel.
To activate the safety system, perform the following: Lift the syringe, grasp the end of the plastic needle catch, and bend it away from the sheath (see Fig. 1).
Fig. 1

Schematic black-and-white illustration showing screwing or unscrewing a cone-shaped element using an arrow indicating downward movement direction

Remove the grey rubber needle sheath by pulling it straight off (see Fig. 2).
Fig. 2

A blue syringe with a needle being pulled vertically upward from the neck of a glass vial containing blue liquid

An air bubble may be visible in the pre-filled syringe. This is normal and should be ignored. Do not press the plunger yet, as some of the medication may be lost. Air bubbles in single-use pre-filled syringes should not be expelled before injection, as this may lead to loss of medication and consequently reduce the administered dose.
The pre-filled syringe is ready for injection. Proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Selecting and preparing the subcutaneous injection site
Choose one of the recommended injection sites shown below (see shaded areas in Fig. 3):
The "U"-shaped area around the navel.
The side of the mid-thigh.
Fig. 3

Schematic silhouette of a male torso and legs with marked gray areas of pain in the lower abdomen and both thighs
  • Each time a dose is administered, inject into a different site.
  • Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard. Avoid areas with scars.
  • If the adult or child has psoriasis, do not inject directly into any raised, thick, red, or scaly skin patches ("psoriatic skin lesions").
  • Wash and dry hands thoroughly.
  • Clean the injection site with a new alcohol swab using circular motions. Allow the skin to dry completely. Do not touch the area again before injection.

Step 3: Assuming the correct position
The adult or child should be sitting or lying down for deep subcutaneous injection. If the patient is self-injecting, sit in a comfortable seated position so that you can clearly see your abdomen (see Fig. 4).
Fig. 4

Silhouette of a pregnant woman lying semi-reclined with back support and hands resting on the abdomen

Step 4:
Using the thumb and index finger of one hand, pinch a skin fold. Hold the syringe in the other hand like a pencil. This will be the injection site.

Step 5:
When injecting Fragmin to an adult or to yourself, hold the pre-filled syringe over the skin fold at a 90-degree angle (i.e., vertically, as shown in the diagram, not at an angle). Insert the needle into the skin until fully inserted (see Fig. 5).
Fig. 5

Hands holding a syringe with a thin needle being inserted vertically into a convex body surface for drug administration

When injecting Fragmin to a child, insert the needle into the skin with a quick, short motion at an angle between 45° and 90° (see Fig. 6).
Fig. 6

A hand holding a syringe performs an angled motion inserting the needle into the arm, illustrated by a black arrow and guiding lines

Step 6:
Push the plunger all the way down slowly and steadily to deliver the correct dose. Continue holding the skin fold during injection, then release it and withdraw the needle.
If bleeding occurs at the injection site, apply gentle pressure. Do not rub the injection site, as this may cause bruising.
Apply a swab to the injection site for 10 seconds. Minor bleeding may occur. Do not rub the injection site. The injection site may be covered with a bandage.

Step 6: If the syringe has a Needle-Trap needle component, activate the safety feature
Needle
Place the plastic holder on a hard, stable surface and, with one hand, rotate the syringe barrel upwards towards the needle, pushing the needle into the cap where it will lock in place (see Fig. 7)
Continue bending the needle until the syringe exceeds a 45-degree angle with the flat surface,
rendering it permanently unusable (see Fig. 8)

Fig. 7 Fig. 8

Two black-and-white diagrams showing a hand pressing a medical device, with the second drawing including the label CLICK indicating a click action

Step 7:
Dispose of the pre-filled syringe and needle into a sharps container. Keep the sharps container in a place inaccessible to other people. When the sharps container is nearly full, dispose of it according to local guidelines or contact your doctor or nurse.
The dose will be adjusted according to the child's age and body weight. In younger children, a slightly higher dose of Fragmin per kg body weight may be required than in adults. The doctor will adjust the appropriate dose for the patient. To monitor the effect of Fragmin, medical staff may take a blood sample during treatment.
Use of Fragmin in patients with renal or hepatic impairment
Fragmin should be used with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment (see section 2: Warnings and precautions).
Administration of a higher than recommended dose of Fragmin
Depending on the symptoms present, the doctor will administer appropriate treatment. The anticoagulant effect of Fragmin can be inhibited by administration of protamine. However, protamine inhibits primary haemostasis; therefore, it should only be used in cases of genuine emergency.
A dose of 1 mg protamine partially neutralizes the effect of 100 IU (anti-Xa) of Fragmin (although the prolonged clotting time is fully neutralized, 25%-50% of dalteparin sodium anti-Xa activity remains).

4. Possible adverse reactions

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse reactions, although not everyone experiences them.
Adverse reactions are listed below according to their frequency of occurrence.
Common (may occur in up to 1 in 10 people)

  • mild, reversible thrombocytopenia (type I)
  • bleeding (haemorrhage)
  • transient increase in aminotransferase activity (liver enzymes, AspAT, AlAT)
  • subcutaneous haematoma at the injection site
  • pain at the injection site

Uncommon (may occur in up to 1 in 100 people)

  • hypersensitivity

Rare (may occur in up to 1 in 1,000 people)

  • skin necrosis
  • transient alopecia

Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)

  • immune-mediated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (type II, with or without associated thrombotic complications)
  • anaphylactic reactions
  • intracranial haemorrhage (some fatal)
  • retroperitoneal haemorrhage (some fatal)
  • rash
  • subarachnoid or subdural haematoma

Heparin products may cause hypoaldosteronism (reduced secretion of aldosterone – a hormone of the adrenal cortex), which may lead to increased serum potassium concentration (hyperkalemia). Rarely, particularly in patients with chronic renal failure and diabetes, clinically significant hyperkalemia may occur.
With long-term use of Fragmin, there is a risk of developing osteoporosis.
Adverse reactions in children are expected to be the same as in adults; however, data on possible adverse reactions during long-term treatment in children are limited.
Reporting of adverse reactions
If any adverse reactions occur, including any possible adverse reactions not listed in this leaflet, inform your doctor or pharmacist. Adverse reactions can be reported directly to the Department of Monitoring Adverse Drug Reactions of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products
Al. Jerozolimskie 181C
02-222 Warsaw
Tel.: +48 22 49 21 301
Fax: +48 22 49 21 309
Website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
Adverse reactions can also be reported to the representative of the marketing authorization holder or to the marketing authorization holder directly.
Reporting adverse reactions helps to provide more information on the safety of the medicine.

5. How to store Fragmin

Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children.
Store pre-filled syringes at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of the stated month.
From a microbiological standpoint, the medicine should be used immediately. If it is not used immediately, the user is responsible for the duration and conditions of storage during use.
Medicines must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. Such measures will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Fragmin contains

  • The active substance in Fragmin is dalteparin sodium. The potency is expressed in international units (IU) anti-Xa according to the first International Standard for Low Molecular Weight Heparins.
No.VolumeDalteparin sodium
(Dalteparinum natricum)
1.0.2 ml2,500 IU anti-Xa
2.0.2 ml5,000 IU anti-Xa
3.0.3 ml7,500 IU anti-Xa
4.0.4 ml10,000 IU anti-Xa
5.0.5 ml12,500 IU anti-Xa
6.0.6 ml15,000 IU anti-Xa
7.0.72 ml18,000 IU anti-Xa
  • Other ingredients are:
No.Dose/VolumeExcipients
1.2,500 IU anti-Xa/0.2 mlsodium chloride
sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment 5-7.5)
water for injections
2.5,000 IU anti-Xa/0.2 mlsodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment 5-7.5)
water for injections
3.7,500 IU anti-Xa/0.3 mlsodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment 5-7.5)
water for injections
4.10,000 IU anti-Xa/0.4 mlsodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment 5-7.5)
water for injections
5.12,500 IU anti-Xa/0.5 mlsodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment 5-7.5)
water for injections
6.15,000 IU anti-Xa/0.6 mlsodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment 5-7.5)
water for injections
7.18,000 IU anti-Xa/0.72 mlsodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment 5-7.5)
water for injections

What Fragmin looks like and contents of the pack
The injection solution is available in a pre-filled syringe with a needle containing a single dose of the medicinal product (type I glass) with a needle cover (rubber), a plunger stopper (chlorobutyl rubber), a plunger (polypropylene or polystyrene) with (or without) a Needle-Trap device as a safety feature. The needle cover may contain latex.

No.Dose/VolumeType and pack size
1.2,500 IU anti-Xa/0.2 ml10 pre-filled syringes with needle, 0.2 ml 20 pre-filled syringes with needle, 0.2 ml
2.5,000 IU anti-Xa/0.2 ml10 pre-filled syringes with needle, 0.2 ml 20 pre-filled syringes with needle, 0.2 ml
3.7,500 IU anti-Xa/0.3 ml10 pre-filled syringes with needle, 0.3 ml 20 pre-filled syringes with needle, 0.3 ml
4.10,000 IU anti-Xa/0.4 ml5 pre-filled syringes with needle, 0.4 ml
5.12,500 IU anti-Xa/0.5 ml5 pre-filled syringes with needle, 0.5 ml
6.15,000 IU anti-Xa/0.6 ml5 pre-filled syringes with needle, 0.6 ml
7.18,000 IU anti-Xa/0.72 ml5 pre-filled syringes with needle, 0.72 ml

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Pfizer Europe MA EEIG
Boulevard de la Plaine 17
1050 Bruxelles
Belgium
Manufacturer
2,500 IU anti-Xa/0.2 ml; 5,000 IU anti-Xa/0.2 ml; 7,500 IU anti-Xa/0.3 ml
Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium NV
Rijksweg 12, 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands
Belgium
Catalent France Limoges S.A.S.
Z.I. Nord, 53 rue de Dion Bouton
87280 Limoges
France
10,000 IU anti-Xa/0.4 ml, 12,500 IU anti-Xa/0.5 ml; 15,000 IU anti-Xa/0.6 ml;
18,000 IU anti-Xa/0.72 ml
Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium NV
Rijksweg 12, 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands
Belgium
For further information on this medicinal product, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder:
Pfizer Polska Sp. z o.o.
tel. 22 335 61 00
Detailed and up-to-date information on this product can be obtained by scanning the QR code located on the outer packaging using a mobile device. The same information is also available at the following URL: https://pfi.sr/ulotka-fragmin and on the website of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products
http://www.urpl.gov.pl