Heparin
heparin sodium · injection · every manufacturer
The finding
PORK
Heparin is made from the intestinal lining of pigs (porcine). This is the medicine itself, not an added ingredient. Today, every US version is made from pig-derived material. That could change: regulators have discussed reintroducing heparin from other animal sources. This page is dated.
This is an essential medicine. Do not stop it on your own. Scholars have addressed medicines like this under necessity, bring this to a scholar you trust.
We tell you the source. Your scholar decides what's permissible, and your doctor and pharmacist decide your care.
What this means
Heparin is a blood thinner; it slows the blood from clotting. There is no plant or synthetic form of heparin itself. A synthetic anticoagulant, fondaparinux, is a different medicine with different dosing and monitoring. Heparin is often given in a hospital, where you may not choose the product. Your doctor and pharmacist decide care. Your scholar decides permissibility. Talk to your doctor about your treatment.
What to do
- Keep taking it exactly as prescribed, and do not stop it without your prescriber.
- Tell your doctor the source matters to you, and ask whether a non-animal option is medically appropriate.
- Bring this to a scholar you trust. Scholars have spoken about needed medicines when there is no other choice.
SourceFDA label · active ingredient
Label datedMarch 2026
Pharmacist reviewAugust 2026
A fact about the active ingredient, from the FDA label. Content has been reviewed by a licensed pharmacist.