INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

Please read this leaflet carefully before you are given this medicine. It gives a broad outline of the more important things you should know about this medicine. If you are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or nurse. You should keep this leaflet whilst receiving your treatment.

THE NAME OF YOUR MEDICINE IS CANUSAL100 I.U./ML FLUSHING SOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE OF PATENCY OF INTRAVENOUS DEVICES

The active ingredient in Canusal is heparin sodium.

Other ingredients are sodium chloride, water for injections, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide.

Canusal is a colourless or straw-coloured liquid.

Canusal is heparinised saline which is heparin dissolved in salt water solution. It is available as a sterile heparinised saline flush solution in one strength of 100 international units per ml. Each 2ml ampoule contains 200 international units of heparin sodium.

The registered pack size is 10 x 2ml glass ampoules.

HOW DOES YOUR MEDICINE WORK?

Heparin is an anti-clotting agent and is produced naturally in the body.

WHAT IS CANUSAL FOR ?

Canusal is used to wash and rinse the inside of intravenous catheters and cannulas (surgical forms of tubing) to ensure they do not become blocked while they are in use. Canusal should not be injected directly into the body.

BEFORE USE OF THIS MEDICINE

Canusal should not be used if:

• You have been told you are allergic to heparin.

You should let your doctor or nurse know if you are pregnant before it is used.

Aseptic techniques should be used at all times during its use to avoid contamination.

Care should be taken if you have previously had an allergic reaction to low molecular weight (LMW) heparin.

If blood for tests is to be taken from the tubing which has been rinsed with this product, the heparin in the tubing should first be withdrawn and discarded.

If you have any doubts about whether Canusal should be used for you then discuss things more fully with your doctor or nurse before it is used.

USE OF THIS MEDICINE

Canusal should not be injected directly into the body. Canusal is used for cleaning catheters and cannulas by flushing with 2ml (200 units) every four hours or as required. The doctor will decide which dose is best to be used.

 

AFTER USE OF THIS MEDICINE

Like many medicines Canusal may cause side effects in some patients, particularly when treatment is first started. It can cause bleeding and occasionally a serious blood disorder (thrombocytopenia) which can cause thrombosis (clotting in the blood vessels). Rarely, allergic reactions can occur.

If you do feel unwell inform your doctor or nurse immediately.

You should also have your blood potassium levels checked if you receive treatment for longer than seven days.

SAFE KEEPING FOR THIS MEDICINE

The medicine should not be used if the expiry date on the ampoule has passed or if it shows signs of deterioration.

This medicine should not be stored above 25°C.

Store in the original package in order to protect from light.

Any portion of the contents not used at once should be discarded.

KEEP THIS MEDICINE IN A SECURE PLACE WHERE CHILDREN CANNOT GET AT IT.

PLEASE DISPOSE OF USED AMPOULES CAREFULLY