Heparinoid

Most adults and children over the age of 12 years can use heparinoid to treat piles and itchy bottom. It is used to treat bruises and phlebitis in adults and children over the age of 5 years. Heparinoid is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• are allergic to heparinoid or any other medicines
• have had an allergic reaction to parabens (heparinoid treatments contain propyl parahydroxybenzoate or methyl parahydroxybenzoate as preservatives)
• are constipated, due to taking other medicines such as codeine. Being constipated means you are more likely to get piles

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It is safe to use heparinoid while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, always check with your doctor, midwife or a pharmacist first.

Cautions with other medicines

Using heparinoid will not usually affect how other medicines work. However, it might cause bleeding if you are taking other medicines that increase the risk of bleeding.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking:

• blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin 
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin for pain relief 

If you have bought Heparinoid from a pharmacy or supermarket, follow the instructions that come with the packet, or ask your pharmacist for advice. You can use it up to 4 times a day. For piles or an itchy bottom, it is usual to use heparinoid ointment several times a day – first thing in the morning, last thing at night and after having a poo. An ointment is thicker and greasier than a cream.

Always wash your hands after using the cream, gel or ointment.

For phlebitis, bruises and haematomas

You will usually need to use 5cm to 15cm of cream or gel. It depends on how much skin you need to cover. If the area you are treating is sore or tender, you can massage the cream or gel into the skin around it.

For external piles

• Squeeze a small amount of ointment onto your finger.
• Gently put the ointment onto the skin around your bottom (anus).

For internal piles

If you have piles inside your bottom, use the applicator that comes with the ointment. Read the instructions in the leaflet inside the packaging.

• Clean around your bottom (anus) with mild soap and water, rinse and pat dry.
• Squeeze some ointment into the applicator and spread a little ointment onto the end of the nozzle.
• Gently insert the nozzle into your bottom.
• Squeeze the tube so the ointment goes into your bottom and slowly pull the applicator out at the same time.
• Take the applicator apart and wash it when you have finished.

What if I forget to use it?

If you forget a treatment, do it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until you are within a few hours of the next one, do not worry – just skip the missed treatment and go on with your usual treatment routine.

What if I use too much?

If you accidentally use too much, it is unlikely to cause any problems.

Heparinoid does not usually cause any side effects. Some people can get a rash but this is rare. If this happens to you, stop using heparinoid and tell your doctor or pharmacist.

How does Heparinoid work?

Heparinoid reduces swelling in your veins. This improves the circulation in small blood vessels under your skin and helps with healing. It also dissolves small blood clots under the skin.

When will my symptoms improve?

Heparinoid should work within a few days if you are using it to treat a bruise.

For phlebitis, a haematoma or piles it might take longer for your symptoms to get better.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Is it safe to use Heparinoid for a long time?

There is not enough information to say whether it is safe to use heparinoid for a long time.

As a general rule, stop using this medicine as soon as your symptoms have settled down.

Speak to your doctor or a pharmacist if your symptoms do not get better, or if you are using heparinoid for piles and you keep getting them.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

Heparinoid will not affect what you can eat or drink. However, if you are using heparinoid for piles, it is a good idea to get more fibre into your diet. This is so you do not get constipated, as constipation can make your symptoms worse.

Good sources of fibre include porridge oats and wholegrain breakfast cereals, wholemeal or granary bread, brown pasta and brown rice, pulses such as lentils, peas and beans, and potatoes with their skins on. Other tips for preventing constipation include drinking plenty of fluids and doing some gentle exercise, if you can.

Will it affect my fertility?

There is no firm evidence that heparinoid affects male or female fertility.

Will it affect my contraception?

Heparinoid does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.  

Can I drive or ride a bike?

Heparinoid will not affect you being able to drive or cycle.