What is Heparin Porcine?

The villain in the novel "Angels and Demons" murders the pope by injecting him with an overdose of the prescription medication heparin. Heparin porcine, the full name of this drug, is a blood thinner used to control blood clots. Heparin, when used correctly, is a life-saving medication, according to the Rx List website.

How Is Heparin Taken?

• Heparin is injected into the blood stream. The administration of the medication must be closely monitored because it is lethal in large amounts. Injections will always be given by a health medication. The injection areas should be prepared with rubbing alcohol. This anticoagulant should never be directly injected into muscle tissue.

What Types of Blood Clots Does Heparin Treat?

• Heparin is most commonly administered to prevent blood clots in the lungs and the legs. It is also used to prevent clots during dialysis and to prevent blood clots after surgery. This drug must be administered to a patient at the same time every day.

Correct Heprain Dosage Is Important

• Heparin comes in varying strengths; taking the wrong strength dosage can be fatal. Because of the risks associated with this product, doctors will sometimes direct patients to take oral anticoagulants. Doctors take into consideration the weight, the patients health otherwise and the severity of the clots before deciding on the strength of heparin dosages.

Heparin Side Effects

• Because the drug is used to prevent clotting, bleeding is one of the most common side effects. Other side effects include loss of vision, pain in the muscles arms or legs and loss of feeling in the arms or legs. Some patients experience an allergic reaction to the medication and will not be able to take it. Most people who take this blood thinner will experience redness and irritation at the site.

People with Pork Allergies Should Not Take Heparin Porcine

• Because this medication is derived from pigs, people who are allergic to pork products will not respond to heparin. A patient should always let his doctor know about potential allergies before the doctor prescribes medication, according to the Drug3K website.