Lovenox (Enoxaparin Sodium Injection) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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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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Lovenox Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using enoxaparin (Lovenox)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to enoxaparin, heparin, or pork products, or if you have:

any type of major bleeding; or
a very low blood platelet count.

Before receiving enoxaparin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
bacterial infection of the lining of your heart;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure;
a stomach ulcer;
eye problems caused by diabetes;
a history of hemorrhagic stroke;
a history of low blood platelets caused by receiving heparin;
if you have recently had surgery on your brain, spine, or eyes;
if you have an artificial heart valve.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor if you have an artificial heart valve.

It is not known whether enoxaparin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is enoxaparin given (Lovenox)?

Enoxaparin is given as an injection under the skin, or through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Do not inject enoxaparin into a muscle.

Your care provider will show you the places on your body where you can safely inject the medication. Enoxaparin injections under the skin are usually given on the sides of the stomach, alternating between left and right sides. Use a different place in these injection areas each time you use this medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Enoxaparin is a clear, colorless liquid. It may appear slightly yellow. Do not use this medicine if it has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each disposable needle and syringe only one time. Throw away used needles and syringes in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Enoxaparin may be given for only a couple of days or for up to 2 weeks or longer, depending on the reason you are using it. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with enoxaparin. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

You will most likely be treated with other medications such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using enoxaparin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time, especially if you will be receiving spinal or epidural anesthesia (also called spinal block). This type of anesthesia can increase the risk of paralysis in people who are also using enoxaparin.

Store enoxaparin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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