What is this medication for?
Enoxaparin belongs to the group of medications known as anticoagulants and antithrombotics, and specifically to the group of medications known as low molecular weight heparins. Anticoagulants and antithrombotics reduce the clotting ability of the blood and can reduce the risk of harmful blood clots forming in blood vessels.
Enoxaparin is used to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT; blood clots in the leg) for people who are bedridden due to serious illness, or after they have had certain types of surgery (such as hip or knee replacements or abdominal surgery). Blood clots in the leg can sometimes travel to the lungs and block blood vessels there, resulting in a serious condition known as pulmonary embolism.
Enoxaparin is also used as part of the treatment of heart attacks and unstable angina (chest pain that is sudden and gets worse).
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop administering this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Lovenox® is available as:
- injectable (subcutaneous)
- 300 mg per 3 mL (100 mg per mL)
- preservative-free injectable (subcutaneous)
- 30 mg per 0.3 mL (100 mg per mL)
- 40 mg per 0.4 mL (100 mg per mL)
- 60 mg per 0.6 mL (100 mg per mL)
- 80 mg per 0.8 mL (100 mg per mL)
- 100 mg per mL (100 mg per mL)
- 120 mg per 0.8 mL (150 mg per mL)
- 150 mg per mL (150 mg per mL)
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose varies according to the individual and the condition being treated. Your doctor will recommend the dose that is most appropriate for you. Enoxaparin is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or into a vein (intravenously).
In some cases, you may need to use enoxaparin injection at home (e.g., after you leave the hospital). If you need to give the injection to yourself, your doctor or nurse will show you how to use the medication. Be sure that you follow the instructions exactly, and ask any questions necessary to be sure you completely understand.
Enoxaparin must not be injected into the muscle.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are administering the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be administered exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not store the multidose vial for more than 28 days after the first use. Safely dispose of any medicine remaining in the vial 28 days after the first use.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not be used by anyone who has:
- is allergic to enoxaparin or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to benzyl alcohol (for the multidose vials)
- is allergic to pork or heparin
- has active major bleeding
- has had low platelet levels along with a positive in vitro platelet-aggregation test while using enoxaparin