Enoxaparin injection
What does enoxaparin injection do?
ENOXAPARIN (Lovenox(R)) is commonly used after knee, hip, or abdominal surgeries to prevent blood clotting. Enoxaparin is also used to treat existing blood clots in the lungs or in the veins. Enoxaparin is similar to heparin. Enoxaparin is known as an anticoagulant, and is sometimes called a blood thinner. However, enoxaparin does not actually thin the blood, but decreases the ability of blood to form clots.
What should my health care professional know before I receive enoxaparin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• bleeding disorders, hemorrhage, or hemophilia
• brain tumor or aneurysm
• decreased kidney function
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• infection of the heart or heart valves
• receiving injections of medications or vitamins
• liver disease
• previous stroke
• recent surgery or delivery of a baby
• ulcer in the stomach or intestine, diverticulitis, or other bowel disease
• undergoing treatments for cancer
• an unusual or allergic reaction to enoxaparin, heparin, pork or pork products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Enoxaparin is for injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health-care professional, or you or a family member may be trained on how to give the injections. If you are to give yourself injections, make sure you understand how to use the syringe, measure the dose if necessary, and give the injection, and how to dispose of used syringes and needles. Use the syringes only once, and throw away syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks. Use exactly as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, and try not to miss doses.
To avoid bruising, do not rub the site where enoxaparin has been injected.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important to administer enoxaparin at regular intervals as prescribed by your health care professional. Depending on your condition, enoxaparin is usually given either once daily (every 24 hours) or twice daily (every 12 hours). If you have been instructed to use enoxaparin on a regular schedule, use missed doses as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not use double doses.
What other medicines can interact with enoxaparin?
• antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin(R)), naproxen (Aleve(R)), or ketoprofen (Orudis-KT(R))
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• cilostazol
• clopidogrel
• dipyridamole
• herbal products containing feverfew, garlic, ginger, gingko, or horse chestnut
• ticlopidine
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects might I notice from receiving enoxaparin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as back or stomach pain, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, or coughing up blood
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness or fainting spells
• heavy menstrual bleeding
More frequent:
• bleeding from the injection site
• fever
• unusual bruising or bleeding: bleeding gums, red spots on the skin, nosebleeds
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• pain or irritation at the injection site
• skin rash, itching