Indications
Lovenox is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It contains the active ingredient enoxaparin. Enoxaparin is in a class of medications called low molecular weight heparins. It works by stopping the formation of substances that cause clots.
Lovenox can be indicated to prevent blood clots in the leg in patients who are on bedrest or who are having hip replacement, knee replacement, or stomach surgery. It is used in combination with aspirin to prevent complications from angina (chest pain) and heart attacks. It is also used in combination with warfarin to treat blood clots in the leg.
Use and Dosage
Lovenox is typically administered by injection under the skin, usually once or twice a day in the abdomen at least 2 inches from the belly button. It should not be injected into a muscle. When using the multidose vials of Lovenox, use a tuberculin syringe or equivalent to assure withdrawal of the appropriate volume of drug.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment and may also be based on age and weight for some conditions. To get the most benefit, use Lovenox regularly at the same time(s) each day.
Before use, visually inspect the Lovenox vial for particles or discoloration and do not use if either is present. Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol before injecting each dose and change the injection site each time to prevent skin injury. Do not rub the injection site after the shot to minimize bruising. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
If using Lovenox at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your healthcare provider and the product packaging. Before using, visually inspect the Lovenox vial for particles or discoloration, and do not use if either is present. Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol before injecting each dose and change the injection site each time to prevent injury under the skin. To minimize bruising, avoid rubbing the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Lovenox Vial (Enoxaparin Sodium):
- Abnormal liver enzymes
- Bleeding, bruising, redness, or pain where medication is injected
- Major bleeding
Serious Side Effects of Lovenox Vial (Enoxaparin Sodium):
- Bleeding around the spinal cord after an epidural or spinal tap, which can cause paralysis
- Blood in urine
- Bruising
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Greater risk of major bleeding
- Low platelet counts
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
Forms and Strength
Lovenox Vial (Enoxaparin Sodium) is available in the following forms and strength:
Lovenox Vial: Vial
- 100mg/mL
Cautions
- Lovenox vial (Enoxaparin Sodium) can increase the risk of bleeding, including serious or fatal bleeding.
- Avoid use in patients with active bleeding (bleeding disorders, peptic ulcer disease, hemorrhagic stroke, etc.).
- Spinal/epidural hematomas may occur in patients who are anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH). Use Lovenox with caution in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency.
- Use Lovenox with caution in patients with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
- Lovenox should be used with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal ulcers, recent surgery, thrombocytopenia, and uncontrolled hypertension.
- Patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture should be closely monitored for spinal/epidural hematoma.
- Lovenox should be used with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more susceptible to bleeding complications.
- Lovenox should be discontinued prior to any surgical or invasive procedures.
- Patients with an increased risk of bleeding, such as those with severe uncontrolled hypertension and active peptic ulcer disease, may require additional monitoring while using Lovenox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should Lovenox be injected?
The dosing and frequency of Lovenox injections depend on the purpose of use, individual patient factors, and healthcare provider's recommendation.
Can I drink alcohol while using Lovenox?
Discuss alcohol use with a healthcare provider while using Lovenox, as alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding.
Can Lovenox be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Lovenox is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding but discuss any potential risks or concerns with a healthcare provider.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Lovenox?
Follow the recommended dosing schedule, but if a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. However, if it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed.
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