Thromiq is a brand of Heparin, which is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It is used to prevent the formation of harmful blood clots in the blood vessels and to treat existing clots. It does not “dissolve” a clot that has already formed, but it prevents it from getting larger while the body’s natural mechanisms work to break it down. It works by activating antithrombin III, a natural protein in the blood that blocks several clotting factors.

The 5,000 unit dose is often used for prophylaxis (prevention) in patients who are bedridden or undergoing surgery to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The higher 25,000 unit dose is typically used for therapeutic treatment of active pulmonary embolisms or heart attacks. Because it acts very quickly, it is a staple in emergency medicine and dialysis. The most significant risk with Heparin is bleeding, so patients must be monitored closely for any signs of bruising or unusual bleeding. It is strictly an injectable medication and cannot be taken orally.