How to Inject Dalteparin at home

You have been prescribed a course of medication called Dalteparin.

Dalteparin is used to thin the blood to prevent blood clots or treat them if you are assessed as being at increased risk. This can be for a variety of reasons including pregnancy, or after an operation.

Please read this leaflet to support you in self-administering this medication as prescribed alongside the manufacturers leaflet (included in the packaging).

It is very important you take the medication as prescribed and should be given at the same time each day.

Always alternate you injection site.

There is a small air bubble in the syringe—this should not be expelled prior to use

You midwife will explain the correct procedure to administer Dalteparin, please also use the following guide for your reference

1. Wash you hands
2. Have the medication and sharps bin ready
3. Choose a site from the image below that you will inject—ensure area is clean and dry
   
4. Remove the syringe form the Packaging
5. Grasp the orange needle catcher and bend it away from the shield
   
6. Remove the grey rubber cover in a straight direction
7. Use your thumb and forefinger to lift a fold of skin
8. Insert needle at a 90 degree angle until needle is fully inserted
   
9. Push the plunger down at a slow and steady rate until all the medication is administered
10. Gently place a clean piece of cotton wool onto the site for 10 seconds, do not rub the area
11. Place the syringe against the needle catcher on a hard stable surface until it exceeds 45 degrees and the sharp is concealed before disposal in the sharps bin provided
    

My injection needs to be administered at the same time each day. The prescribed time for this is 

___________________.

Prescriptions lengths are different for each individual and is based on criteria which your Midwife or Doctor will happily discuss with you. You have been prescribed Dalteparin injections for a total of _______     Doses, this includes any you may have had whilst being in the Hospital

Please use the chart below to keep track of how many doses of the medication you have administered. Please mark the box with an X or any other way which is helpful for you.

Safe Storage

Dalteparin should be stored in a  cool , dry environments below 25 Degrees Celsius.

All medications should be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal

You will be given a sharps bin to safely dispose of your used medication syringes with use of the temporary lid closure mechanism. When your course of treatment if complete, the sharps bin should be  fully sealed and can be taken to your local pharmacy or health centre for safe disposal.