Neoparin

Patient Information Leaflet

Neoparin, 2000 IU (20 mg)/0.2 ml, solution for injection
Neoparin, 4000 IU (40 mg)/0.4 ml, solution for injection
Neoparin, 6000 IU (60 mg)/0.6 ml, solution for injection
Neoparin, 8000 IU (80 mg)/0.8 ml, solution for injection
Neoparin, 10,000 IU (100 mg)/1 ml, solution for injection
Enoxaparin sodium
Please read this leaflet carefully before using this medicine, as it contains important information for you.

• Keep this leaflet for future reference.
• If you have any questions, please consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
• This medicine has been prescribed for a specific individual. Do not share it with others. This medicine may harm others, even if their symptoms are the same.
• If you experience any adverse reactions, including any not listed in this leaflet, inform your doctor or pharmacist. See section 4.

Table of Contents

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

1. What Neoparin is and what it is used for

Neoparin contains an active substance called enoxaparin sodium, which is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH).
Neoparin works in two ways:

1. It prevents existing blood clots from growing larger. This helps the body dissolve existing clots so they are no longer harmful.
2. It prevents the formation of new blood clots in the patient's blood.

Neoparin may be used:

• To treat existing blood clots in the patient's blood.
• To prevent the formation of blood clots in the following situations:
  • Before and after surgical procedures
  • During acute illness when the patient has limited mobility
  • In patients who have developed blood clots due to cancer, to further prevent the formation of new clots
  • In unstable angina (a condition where insufficient blood flows to the heart)
  • After myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• To prevent clot formation in the dialysis filter tubing (used in patients with severe kidney dysfunction).

2. Important information before using Neoparin

When not to use Neoparin

• If the patient is allergic to enoxaparin sodium or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Signs of an allergic reaction may include: rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing, swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue.
• If the patient has had an allergic reaction to heparin or other low-molecular-weight heparins such as nadroparin, tinzaparin or dalteparin.
• If the patient has previously experienced a reaction to heparin that caused a significant drop in the number of blood cells responsible for blood clotting (platelets) – this condition is known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia – within the last 100 days, or if the patient’s blood contains antibodies against enoxaparin.
• If the patient is experiencing active bleeding or has a medical condition associated with an increased risk of bleeding (e.g. stomach ulcers, recent brain or eye surgery), including recent hemorrhagic stroke.
• If the patient is being treated with Neoparin for blood clots and a spinal or epidural anaesthesia or lumbar puncture is planned within 24 hours.

Warnings and precautions
Neoparin must not be used interchangeably with medicines containing other low-molecular-weight heparins. This is because they are not exactly the same and differ in activity and instructions for use.
Before starting Neoparin, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if:

• The patient has ever had a reaction to heparine causing a significant drop in platelet count
• The patient is scheduled to receive spinal or epidural anaesthesia or lumbar puncture (see "Surgical procedures and anaesthetics"): the appropriate time interval between Neoparin administration and the procedure must be considered
• The patient has had a heart valve replacement
• The patient has endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart)
• The patient has had or currently has stomach ulcers
• The patient has recently had a stroke
• The patient has high blood pressure
• The patient has diabetes or diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)
• The patient has recently undergone eye or brain surgery
• The patient is elderly (over 65 years of age), especially if over 75 years
• The patient has kidney disease
• The patient has liver disease
• The patient is underweight or overweight
• The patient has elevated potassium levels in the blood (this can be checked with a blood laboratory test)
• The patient is currently taking medicines that may cause bleeding (see section below "Neoparin and other medicines")

Before starting this medicine and periodically during treatment, the patient may undergo blood tests to monitor platelet count and blood potassium levels.

Neoparin and other medicines
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines the patient is currently taking, has recently taken, or plans to take.

• Warfarin – a medicine used to thin the blood
• Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), clopidogrel, or other medicines used to prevent blood clots (see also section 3 "Changing anticoagulant therapy")
• Dextran injections – used as a blood substitute
• Ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketorolac, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and inflammation in arthritis and other conditions
• Prednisolone, dexamethasone, or other medicines used to treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions
• Medicines that increase potassium levels in the blood, such as potassium salts, diuretics, and certain heart medications.

Surgical procedures and anaesthetics
If the patient is scheduled for a lumbar puncture or surgery under epidural or spinal anaesthesia, inform the doctor that the patient is using Neoparin. See section "When not to use Neoparin". Additionally, inform the doctor of any spinal problems or if the patient has ever had spinal surgery.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, suspects she may be pregnant, or is planning to become pregnant, she should consult her doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
Women who are pregnant and have a mechanical heart valve may be at increased risk of blood clots. The doctor should discuss this with the patient.
Women who are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed should seek medical advice before starting this medicine.

Driving and operating machinery
Neoparin does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
It is recommended that the doctor document the brand name and batch number of the product used.

3. How to use Neoparin

This medicine should always be used according to the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Taking the medicine

• Neoparin is usually administered by a doctor or nurse, as it must be given by injection.
• After returning home, you may need to continue treatment with Neoparin and administer it yourself (see the injection instructions provided below).
• Neoparin is usually given by subcutaneous injection.
• Neoparin may be administered by intravenous injection following certain types of heart attack or after surgery.
• Neoparin may be injected into the dialysis tubing that carries blood away from the body (into the so-called arterial line) at the beginning of a dialysis session.
• Neoparin must not be administered by intramuscular injection.

Dosage

• Your doctor will decide the dose of Neoparin you should receive. The dose depends on the reason for treatment.
• If you have kidney disease, you may receive a lower dose of Neoparin.

1. Treatment of blood clots in the patient

• The usual dose is 150 IU (1.5 mg) per kilogram of body weight once daily or 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight twice daily.
• Your doctor will decide how long you should continue receiving Neoparin.

2. Prevention of blood clots in the following situations:

   • Surgery or periods of limited mobility due to illness

   • The dose depends on the individual patient's risk of developing blood clots. You will receive Neoparin at a dose of 2000 IU (20 mg) or 4000 IU (40 mg) daily.

   • If you are undergoing planned surgery, the first injection is usually given 2 hours or 12 hours before the procedure.

   • If you have limited mobility due to illness, you usually receive Neoparin at a dose of 4000 IU (40 mg) daily.

   • Your doctor will decide how long you should continue receiving Neoparin.

   • After heart attack
     Neoparin may be used in two types of heart attack: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The dose of Neoparin depends on the patient's age and the type of heart attack.

   NSTEMI heart attack:

   • The usual dose is 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight every 12 hours.
   • Your doctor will usually also recommend taking acetylsalicylic acid.
   • Your doctor will decide how long you should continue receiving Neoparin.

   STEMI heart attack in patients under 75 years of age:

   • An initial dose of Neoparin, 3000 IU (30 mg), is administered by intravenous injection.
   • Neoparin is also given by subcutaneous injection. The usual dose is 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight every 12 hours.
   • Your doctor will usually also recommend taking acetylsalicylic acid.
   • Your doctor will decide how long you should continue receiving Neoparin.

   STEMI heart attack in patients aged 75 years or older:

   • The usual dose is 75 IU (0.75 mg) per kilogram of body weight every 12 hours.
   • The maximum dose of Neoparin in the first two doses is 7500 IU (75 mg).
   • Your doctor will decide how long you should continue receiving Neoparin.

   Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI):
   Depending on when the last dose of Neoparin was administered, your doctor may decide to give an additional dose of Neoparin before the PCI procedure. The medicine will then be given by intravenous injection.

3. Prevention of blood clots in dialyzer tubing

   • The usual dose is 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight.

• Neoparin is injected into the tubing carrying blood away from the body (the so-called arterial line) at the start of the dialysis session. This dose is usually sufficient for a 4-hour dialysis session. However, if necessary, your doctor may administer an additional dose of 50 IU to 100 IU (0.5 to 1 mg) per kilogram of body weight.

Instructions for using a pre-filled syringe without a safety needle shield
How to self-administer a Neoparin injection
If you are able to self-inject this medicine, your doctor or nurse will show you how to do it.
Do not attempt to self-inject without prior training.
If you are unsure what to do, consult your doctor or nurse immediately.
Properly administering the injection under the skin (called a "subcutaneous injection") will help reduce pain and the risk of bruising at the injection site.

Before self-injecting Neoparin

• Check the expiry date of the medicine. Do not use it if the expiry date has passed.
• Check whether the pre-filled syringe is damaged and whether the medicine is a clear solution. If not, use another pre-filled syringe.
• Do not use this medicine if you notice any changes in the appearance of the product.
• Make sure you know the intended dose to be administered.
• Examine your abdomen to check whether the previous injection caused redness, skin discoloration, swelling, oozing, or persistent pain.
• If so, consult your doctor or nurse.
• Decide where the injection will be given. The medicine should be administered alternately on the left and right side of the abdomen. The injection should be given just under the skin of the abdomen, but not too close to the navel or any scar tissue (at least 5 cm away).
• The pre-filled syringe is intended for single use only.

Instructions for self-administering Neoparin

1) Wash your hands and the injection site with water and soap. Dry thoroughly.
2) Sit or lie down in a comfortable, relaxed position. Ensure the intended injection site is visible. A bed, couch, or reclining chair with pillows is ideal.
3) Choose a site on the right or left side of the abdomen, at least 5 cm away from the navel toward the side.
Important: Do not inject the medicine within 5 cm of the navel or near scars or bruises. Alternate between the left and right sides of the abdomen, changing sides each time.
4) Carefully remove the needle cap. The pre-filled syringe is factory-filled with medicine and ready for use.

Do not press the plunger before injecting the medicine to remove air bubbles. This may result in loss of some of the medicine. After removing the cap, do not allow the needle to touch any surface to maintain sterility.
5) Hold the pre-filled syringe like a pencil in your writing hand. With the other hand, gently pinch the cleaned area of the abdomen between your thumb and index finger, creating a skin fold.
Remember to keep holding the skin fold throughout the entire injection process.
6) Hold the pre-filled syringe so that the needle points downward (vertically at a 90º angle). Insert the full length of the needle into the skin fold.

7) Press the plunger with your finger. This will deliver the medicine into the fatty tissue of the abdomen. Continue holding the skin fold throughout the injection.
8) Remove the needle straight out.

To avoid bruising, do not rub the injection site after administration.
9) Dispose of the used pre-filled syringe.
Do not throw the pre-filled syringe into your household waste bin.

Instructions for using a pre-filled syringe with a safety needle shield
How to self-administer a Neoparin injection
Your pre-filled syringe may have an attached needle shield that prevents accidental needle sticks. If you are able to self-inject this medicine, your doctor or nurse will show you how to do it. Do not attempt to self-inject without prior training. If you are unsure what to do, consult your doctor or nurse immediately.
Properly administering the injection under the skin (called a "subcutaneous injection") will help reduce pain and the risk of bruising at the injection site.

Before self-injecting Neoparin

• Check the expiry date of the medicine. Do not use it if the expiry date has passed.
• Check whether the pre-filled syringe is damaged and whether the medicine is a clear solution. If not, use another pre-filled syringe.
• Do not use this medicine if you notice any changes in the appearance of the product.
• Make sure you know the intended dose to be administered.
• Examine your abdomen to check whether the previous injection caused redness, skin discoloration, swelling, oozing, or persistent pain.
• If so, consult your doctor or nurse.
• Decide where the injection will be given. The medicine should be administered alternately on the left and right side of the abdomen. The injection should be given just under the skin of the abdomen, but not too close to the navel or any scar tissue (at least 5 cm away).
• The pre-filled syringe is intended for single use only.

Instructions for self-administering Neoparin

1) Wash your hands and the injection site with water and soap. Dry thoroughly.
2) Sit or lie down in a comfortable, relaxed position. Ensure the intended injection site is visible. A bed, couch, or reclining chair with pillows is ideal.
3) Choose a site on the right or left side of the abdomen, at least 5 cm away from the navel toward the side.
Important: Do not inject the medicine within 5 cm of the navel or near scars or bruises. Alternate between the left and right sides of the abdomen, changing sides each time.
4) Carefully remove the needle cap. The pre-filled syringe is factory-filled with medicine and ready for use.

Do not press the plunger before injecting the medicine to remove air bubbles. This may result in loss of some of the medicine. After removing the cap, do not allow the needle to touch any surface to maintain sterility.
5) Hold the pre-filled syringe like a pencil in your writing hand. With the other hand, gently pinch the cleaned area of the abdomen between your thumb and index finger, creating a skin fold.
Remember to keep holding the skin fold throughout the entire injection process.
6) Hold the pre-filled syringe so that the needle points downward (vertically at a 90º angle). Insert the full length of the needle into the skin fold.

7) Press the plunger with your finger. This will deliver the medicine into the fatty tissue of the abdomen. Continue holding the skin fold throughout the injection.
8) Remove the needle straight out. Do not release pressure on the plunger!

To avoid bruising, do not rub the injection site after administration.
9) Firmly press the plunger of the syringe. The safety shield, in the form of a plastic cylinder, will automatically slide over the needle, completely covering it.

10) Dispose of the used pre-filled syringe.
Do not throw the pre-filled syringe into your household waste bin.

Changing anticoagulant therapy

• Switching from Neoparin to vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
  Your doctor will recommend blood tests to monitor your INR and will inform you when to stop taking Neoparin based on the results.

• Switching from vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) to Neoparin
  Stop taking the vitamin K antagonist medicine. Your doctor will recommend blood tests to monitor your INR and will inform you when to start taking Neoparin based on the results.

• Switching from Neoparin to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)
  Stop taking Neoparin. Begin taking the direct oral anticoagulant 0–2 hours before the scheduled time of the next injection. Then continue taking the oral medicine as usual.

• Switching from direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to Neoparin
  Stop taking the direct oral anticoagulant. Treatment with Neoparin may begin only 12 hours after the last dose of the direct oral anticoagulant.

Use in children and adolescents
The safety and efficacy of Neoparin have not been established in children and adolescents.

Overdose of Neoparin
If you think you have used too much or too little Neoparin, inform your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist immediately, even if you do not notice any problems. In case of accidental injection or ingestion of Neoparin by a child, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital emergency department.

Missed dose of Neoparin
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Keeping a diary can help ensure you do not miss a dose.

Stopping Neoparin treatment
If you have any further questions about using this medicine, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
It is important to continue Neoparin injections until your doctor advises you to stop. Stopping treatment may lead to the formation of a blood clot, which could be very dangerous.

4. Possible adverse reactions

Like any medicine, this medicine can cause adverse reactions, although not everyone experiences them.
As with other similar medicines (used to reduce blood clotting), Neoparin
can cause bleeding, which may potentially be life-threatening. In some
cases, bleeding may not be immediately visible.
If any bleeding occurs that does not stop on its own, or if signs of excessive bleeding appear (severe weakness, fatigue, paleness, dizziness, headache, or unexplained sweating), medical advice should be sought immediately.
The doctor may decide to subject the patient to closer monitoring or to change the treatment.
Neoparin should be discontinued and medical advice should be sought immediately from a doctor or nurse if signs of a severe allergic reaction occur (such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or eyes).
If any of the following symptoms occur, enoxaparin should be discontinued and immediate medical assistance should be sought:

• Red, scaly, widespread rash with subcutaneous nodules and blisters, accompanied by fever. Symptoms usually appear at the beginning of treatment (acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis).

Contact a doctor immediately:

• If the patient experiences any signs of a blood vessel being blocked by a blood clot, such as:
  • cramping pain, redness, increased warmth or swelling in one of the lower limbs – these are symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
  • shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or coughing up blood – these are symptoms of pulmonary embolism
• If the patient develops painful skin rash or dark red spots under the skin that do not fade when pressed. The doctor may order blood tests to check platelet count.

List of possible adverse reactions:
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• Bleeding.
• Increased liver enzyme activity.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Greater than usual tendency to develop bruises. This may be due to a reduced platelet count.
• Pink spots on the skin. These changes are more likely at the injection sites of Neoparin.
• Skin rash (urticaria).
• Itchy, red skin.
• Bruising or pain at the injection site.
• Decreased number of red blood cells.
• Increased platelet count.
• Headache.

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Sudden, severe headache. This may be a sign of bleeding into the brain.
• Feeling of tenderness and swelling in the stomach. This may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Large, irregularly shaped red skin lesions, with or without blisters.
• Skin irritation (local irritation).
• The patient may notice yellowing of the skin or eyes and darker urine. This may indicate liver disease.

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people)

• Severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing, swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue.
• Increased potassium levels in the blood. This is more likely in patients with kidney disease or diabetes. The doctor may check this with a blood test.
• Increased eosinophil count in the blood. The doctor may check this with a blood test.
• Hair loss.
• Osteoporosis (a condition in which bones are more prone to fractures) after long-term use of the medicine.
• Tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness (especially in the lower part of the body) after lumbar puncture or spinal/epidural anaesthesia.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (a condition in which the patient cannot control when to go to the toilet).
• Hardening or lump at the injection site.

Reporting of adverse reactions
If any adverse reactions occur, including those not listed in this leaflet, inform a doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Adverse reactions can be reported directly to the Department of Monitoring of 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 responsible entity.
Reporting adverse reactions helps to provide more information on the safety of the medicine.

5. How to store Neoparin

Store below 25°C. The medicine can also be stored in the refrigerator (2°C - 8°C), but not for longer than 1 month. Do not freeze.
Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and ampoule-syringe after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the stated month.
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 package and other information

What Neoparin contains

• The active substance is enoxaparin sodium.

Neoparin, 2000 IU (20 mg)/0.2 ml: One pre-filled syringe with needle of 0.2 ml contains 2000 IU (20 mg) of enoxaparin sodium.
Neoparin, 4000 IU (40 mg)/0.4 ml: One pre-filled syringe with needle of 0.4 ml contains 4000 IU (40 mg) of enoxaparin sodium.
Neoparin, 6000 IU (60 mg)/0.6 ml: One pre-filled syringe with needle of 0.6 ml contains 6000 IU (60 mg) of enoxaparin sodium.
Neoparin, 8000 IU (80 mg)/0.8 ml: One pre-filled syringe with needle of 0.8 ml contains 8000 IU (80 mg) of enoxaparin sodium.
Neoparin, 10,000 IU (100 mg)/1 ml: One pre-filled syringe with needle of 1 ml contains 10,000 IU (100 mg) of enoxaparin sodium.

• The other ingredient (excipient) is: water for injections.

What Neoparin looks like and contents of the pack
Pre-filled syringes with needle, with or without a needle safety guard to prevent accidental needle stick after administration, packed in blisters within a cardboard box.
2 or 10 pre-filled syringes with needle of 0.2 ml
2 or 10 pre-filled syringes with needle of 0.4 ml
2 or 10 pre-filled syringes with needle of 0.6 ml
2 or 10 pre-filled syringes with needle of 0.8 ml
2 or 10 pre-filled syringes with needle of 1 ml
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Importer
SciencePharma spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością
ul. Chełmska 30/34, 00-725 Warszawa, Poland
Tel.: +48 22 841 16 64

Other sources of information
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products http://www.urpl.gov.pl/en