Lovenox (Enoxaparin Sodium Injection) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 27, 2012

Lovenox

Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot in the Lung) »

What is a pulmonary embolism?

The lungs are a pair of organs in the chest that are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and blood. The lung is composed of clusters of small air sacs (alveoli) divided by thin, elastic walls (membranes). Capillaries, the tiniest of blood vessels, run within these membranes between the alveoli and allow blood and air to come near each other. The distance between the air in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries is very small, and allows molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide to transfer across the membranes.

The exchange of the air between the lungs and blood are through the arterial and venous system. Arteries and veins both carry and move blood throughout the body, but the process for each is very different.

Arteries carry blood from the heart to the body.
Veins return blood from the body to the heart.
The heart i...

Read the Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot in the Lung) article »

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Lovenox

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PATIENT INFORMATION

If patients have had neuraxial anesthesia or spinal puncture, and particularly, if they are taking concomitant NSAIDs, platelet inhibitors, or other anticoagulants, they should be informed to watch for signs and symptoms of spinal or epidural hematoma, such as tingling, numbness (especially in the lower limbs) and muscular weakness. If any of these symptoms occur the patient should contact his or her physician immediately.

Additionally, the use of aspirin and other NSAIDs may enhance the risk of hemorrhage. Their use should be discontinued prior to enoxaparin therapy whenever possible; if co-administration is essential, the patient's clinical and laboratory status should be closely monitored [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Patients should also be informed:

of the instructions for injecting Lovenox if their therapy is to continue after discharge from the hospitals.
it may take them longer than usual to stop bleeding.
they may bruise and/or bleed more easily when they are treated with Lovenox.
they should report any unusual bleeding, bruising, or signs of thrombocytopenia (such as a rash of dark red spots under the skin) to their physician [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
to tell their physicians and dentists they are taking Lovenox and/or any other product known to affect bleeding before any surgery is scheduled and before any new drug is taken [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
to tell their physicians and dentists of all medications they are taking, including those obtained without a prescription, such as aspirin or other NSAIDs [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].