Enoxaparin

Brand Names

Enoxaparin

What is Enoxaparin

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a prescription medicine that related to a class of medications called low molecular weight heparins. It works by stopping the formation of substances that cause clots.This medicine is used to prevent and treat blood clots. It is also effective to prevent complications in people who have recently had a heart attack or unstable angina (a type of chest pain that may indicate that a heart attack is imminent). It is given by injection just below the skin.

Side effects of Enoxaparin

Enoxaparin common side effects may include:

• upset stomach
• fever
• irritation or burning at site of injection

If you have noticed any of these serious side effects, you should stop treatment by this medication and contact your doctor at once:

• unusual bleeding or bruising
• black or bloody stools
• blood in urine
• swollen ankles and feet

Indication

Enoxaparin is beneficial for preventing blood clots in the leg in patients who are on bed rest or who are having hip replacement, knee replacement or stomach surgery. It can be used in combination with aspirin in order to prevent complications from angina (chest pain) and heart attacks or in combination with warfarin- to treat blood clots in the leg.

Precautions

Stop taking enoxaparin if you have:

• A bleeding disorder (not a clotting disorder)
• Intestinal or stomach ulcers or bleeding
• Bleeding in the brain
• An aneurysm
• A bacterial infection of the endocardium (the inner layer of the heart)
• Had a negative reaction to heparin
• Kidney disease such as kidney failure
• Had recent brain, eye or spinal surgery
• High blood pressure
• Diabetic retinopathy (an eye condition)
• Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes or preservatives
• Are breastfeeding, pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Are taking any other medications, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements

Dosage forms

Enoxaparin dose for preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Clots

The standard enoxaparin dosing for preventing blood clots in people undergoing abdominal (stomach) surgery is 40 mg once daily for 7-10 days, starting 2 hours before surgery.

The standard dosage of enoxaparin for preventing blood clots in people undergoing hip replacement surgery is 30 mg twice daily for 7-10 days, starting 12-24 hours after surgery.

The standard dose of enoxaparin for preventing blood clots in people undergoing knee replacement surgery is 30 mg twice daily for 7-10 days, starting 12-24 hours after surgery.

The standard enoxaparin dose for preventing blood clots in people who are acutely ill (and are immobilized) is 40 mg once daily, typically for 6-11 days.