Protamine Sulfate
protamine sulfate · injection · every manufacturer
The finding
FISH
Protamine is made from the sperm (milt) of salmon and related fish. This is the medicine itself, not an added ingredient. US protamine is made from salmon milt; no plant or synthetic version is approved for this use. Protamine is the medicine used in hospitals to reverse the blood thinner heparin.
This is an emergency medicine given by a clinician to stop dangerous bleeding. The decision is the medical team's. Many scholars treat fish-derived sources differently from land-animal sources; 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
Protamine binds to and neutralizes heparin. There is no non-animal equivalent used for this purpose. Talk to your doctor about your treatment.
What to do
- This is given by your medical team, not taken at home; you do not manage it yourself.
- If the source matters to you, tell your care team and ask them to note it.
- Bring this to a scholar you trust; many scholars treat fish-derived sources differently from land-animal sources.
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.