Type of medicine: heparin antagonist (antidote)
Generic and brand names: protamine sulfate, injection
This medicine is given by injection (shots) to treat an overdose of heparin (a medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming).
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Also tell your provider if you take insulin or if you have ever been given protamine before.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine must be given by a healthcare provider. It is most often given during surgery while you are under close observation.
You will be watched very closely after you receive this medicine. If you have any trouble breathing or unusual bruising or bleeding tell your healthcare provider right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Lightheadedness; dizziness; flushing or feeling of warmth; slow heartbeat; fainting; nausea; vomiting; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusual bleeding or bruising.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
