Dalteparin is a prescription drug. It comes in the form of an injectable solution. It’s given by subcutaneous injection (an injection below the skin). This drug is self-injectable. This means you or a caregiver can inject the medication.

　　Dalteparin is available as the brand-name drug Fragmin. It’s not available as a generic drug.

　　This drug may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

　　Why it's used

　　Dalteparin is a blood thinner. It helps to:

　　prevent complications related to unstable angina (chest pain) or heart attack

　　prevent deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the deep veins of your legs or arms) during abdominal surgery or hip replacement surgery

　　prevent deep vein thrombosis (blood clots the deep veins of your legs or arms) during abdominal surgery or hip replacement surgery

　　prevent blood clots in the deep veins of your arms and legs when you aren’t able to move very much due to severe illness

　　treat venous thrombosis (blood clots in your veins) if you have cancer

　　How it works

　　Dalteparin belongs to a class of drugs called low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

　　Dalteparin works by blocking a particular protein in your body that causes clotting. This helps keep blood clots from forming. If you have a blood clot, this drug will stop it from getting worse while your body breaks down the clot on its own.