Complications

Major bleeding is uncommon. ^b The risk is increased with:

• age >72 ^a  
• increasing aPTT levels  ^a  

• Stop heparin ^a
• Protamine sulphate. Maximum dose 50 mg by slow iv infusion. ^d
  • Note: fresh-frozen plasma does not reverse the anticoagulant effect of heparin
    

Minor bleeds

• Consider stopping heparin ^d
  

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

• Stop heparin. ^a
• An alternative is danaparoid. ^d  

Other complications

• subcutaneous haematoma ^d
• osteopenia in prolonged administration ^d