Patient education: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia? — Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, or "HIT," is a serious problem that can happen after you get a medicine called "heparin."

Heparin is part of a group of medicines called "anticoagulants" or "blood thinners." It is used to help prevent or treat blood clots. It is also used to keep IV lines from clotting, called a "heparin flush." The 2 main types of heparin are:

●"Unfractioned heparin," which is also called just "heparin"

●"Low molecular weight heparin" (sample brand name: Lovenox)

Both of these can be given as a shot under the skin. Unfractionated heparin can also be given by IV.

With HIT, the immune system makes "antibodies" against 1 of the proteins on platelets. Platelets are blood cells that help blood to clot. These antibodies cause the body to make blood clots in veins and arteries. This can lead to serious problems. The antibodies also cause the platelet count to be low, which is what "thrombocytopenia" means.

HIT is treated by stopping heparin and using a different anticoagulant medicine instead. Your doctor will choose a medicine to prevent or treat blood clots based on your health and situation.

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Tell every doctor, nurse, surgeon, or other medical staff that you have had HIT. It is critical that you do not get any kind of heparin ever again. Even a very small amount of heparin could cause HIT. They might list "heparin allergy" in your medical record and HIT in your medical history.

●Follow all of your doctor's instructions for taking your new anticoagulant medicine. It might come as shots you give yourself or pills you take by mouth. You might get 1 medicine for a while, and then switch to a different one.

●Go to your follow-up appointments. You will need blood tests to check your platelet count.

●While you are taking the new anticoagulant, avoid things that could cause bleeding. Your risk of bleeding is higher when you are taking an anticoagulant medicine. Protect yourself by avoiding activities that could lead to injury, taking extra care when using sharp tools, and wearing your seatbelt. You can stop the anticoagulant medicine after a few months. Make sure that you know how long to take it for.

●Know the symptoms that could mean you have another blood clot. If you get any of these symptoms, know who to call or where to go.

What follow-up care do I need? — Your doctor or nurse will schedule a follow-up blood test for a few days after you go home. This is to make sure that your platelet count is normal. Go to this appointment.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●You have symptoms of bleeding.

●You have symptoms of a blood clot.

●You are running out of your new anticoagulant medicine or are having trouble paying for it.

More on this topic

Patient education: Choosing an oral medicine for blood clots (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking oral medicines for blood clots (The Basics)
Patient education: How to give an anticoagulant shot (The Basics)
Patient education: Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg) (The Basics)
Patient education: Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) (The Basics)

Patient education: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Pulmonary embolism (Beyond the Basics)