Unfractionated heparin: Focus on a high-alert drug

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is associated with a high rate of drug-related problems due to either its inherent pharmacologic properties or an extension of these properties often caused by medication errors. The drug-related problems associated with UFH can significantly hinder the success of therapy and negatively affect the overall cost of care. Unfractionated heparin has been classified as a high-alert drug by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. Approximately 2.1% of the total records submitted to the MedMARx national error database were related to UFH; 4.5-5.5% of these errors reported were harmful. With this high potential for error, it is essential that all health care providers adopt a collaborative or systems approach to identify solutions to reduce the occurrence of these medication errors. The joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has published national patient safety goals for improving the safety of patient care, many of which are applicable to UFH therapy. Unfractionated heparin drug-related problems not necessarily related to medication errors include heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, bleeding events, and osteopenia. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a serious complication of heparin therapy and remains seriously undiagnosed. Bleeding events often occur with therapeutic as well as prophylactic UFH administration even when monitoring indexes are within the therapeutic range. However, due to the variability associated with UFH monitoring methods, definitive guidelines are lacking to assist in avoiding such serious events. Osteopenia has been associated with long-term UFH therapy; one third of patients experience reductions in bone density, potentially leading to fractures. Today, safer alternative anticoagulation therapies are available, such as the low-molecular-weight heparins. When compared with UFH, these alternative therapies provide equivalent or superior efficacy for numerous indications.