Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ENOXAPARIN - INJECTION
(ee-nox-uh-PAIR-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lovenox
WARNING: Tell your doctor you are using this medication before undergoing any procedure involving spinal puncture/anesthesia. Using this medication before these procedures has caused major bruising or bleeding (epidural or spinal hematoma) inside the body. This may cause paralysis, maybe permanently. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: tingling, weakness, numbness, difficulty urinating or pain. This risk is increased when you use other "blood thinning" medications (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), or when certain medication delivery devices (indwelling epidural catheters) are used. You will be monitored closely while you are on this medication.
Uses
This medication is a "blood thinner" which helps prevent formation of blood clots. It is used after certain surgeries. Do not use this medication for prevention of blood clots (e.g., after surgery) if you have had a heart valve replacement, especially if you are pregnant. Enoxaparin may be harmful in valve replacement patients. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
OTHER
Uses
This drug may also be used to treat blood clots.
How To Use
Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously), usually once or twice daily following surgery; or use as directed by your doctor. To minimize irritation, do not repeatedly inject in the same spot; rotate the injection site. Do not inject into a muscle (intramuscularly). Therapy with this medication may be continued for 7 to 14 days or until the risk of blood clot formation is limited. Properly discard used needles and syringes. If you are uncertain how this medication should be used, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain it to you.
Side Effects
Irritation, pain, tenderness and redness may occur at the site of injection. Nausea or swelling of the hands or feet may also occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if you experience: fever, mental confusion, unusual bruising or bleeding, black stools. If you have had a spinal procedure along with this drug, promptly report: weakness, numbness, pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before using this drug tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: artificial heart valve, liver or kidney problems, heart disease, eye problems, bleeding or blood disorders, stomach/intestinal problems, severe high blood pressure, stroke, eye/brain/spinal cord surgery, any allergies (especially to drugs or pork). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use including: aspirin, warfarin, NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), other heparins. Because this drug can alter the effects of certain lab tests, be sure to remind your doctor you use this medication. This medication should not be mixed with, or added to, any other drug in the same syringe. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include excessive bleeding and bruising.
Notes
Laboratory tests (e.g., blood counts including platelets, stool occult blood) should be done periodically while using this medication to minimize side effects. Additional lab tests (anti-Factor Xa blood levels) should be performed in certain cases, especially if you are pregnant and have a prosthetic heart valve, or if lack of effectiveness of enoxaparin is suspected.
Missed Dose
Try to use each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store this medication at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
