EnoxaparinWhen you have, or are at risk of having deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, you may be prescribed Enoxaparin. You mayalso be familiar with its brand name, Lovenox. Enoxaparin is a high alert medication, which means if you do not takeit exactly as prescribed, it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Enoxaparin works, let’s look at how deep vein thrombosis can affect your body. When you haveDVT, blood clots can form in the deep veins of your body; usually in your legs, and can cause serious healthproblems.Sometimes a clot may break away and travel through your blood vessels. Called an ‘embolus’, this moving clot cantravel to the heart or lungs and cause severe complications including heart attack, difficulty breathing, even death.Enoxaparin is an injectable medication used to break up these clots and keep the blood thin. It comes in pre-filledsyringes. Your healthcare provider will decide how much Enoxaparin you need to take but pre-filled syringes come in30, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 or 150 milligram doses. Make sure you understand exactly what dose you are supposed totake to avoid injury.Enoxaparin is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not take Enoxaparin if you are allergic to:any of its ingredients, Lovenox, or other blood thinner medications like Heparin.Do not take Enoxaparin if you have active or uncontrolled bleeding or low levels of platelets in your blood.Enoxaparin is not expected to harm an unborn baby but tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan toget pregnant while taking Enoxaparin. A different medication may be available for you. Do not breastfeed whiletaking Enoxaparin.Before taking Enoxaparin, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of: kidney or liver disease, uncontrolledhigh blood pressure, stomach ulcer, or eye problems caused by diabetes.Let all of your healthcare providers know you are taking Enoxaparin, including your dentist. You may need to stoptaking your medication a few days before your appointment.Before taking Enoxaparin, give your healthcare provider a complete list of all other medications you use, includingvitamins and herbal supplements.Some over-the-counter medications you may take can increase your risk of bleeding. When taking Enoxaparin,avoid: Aspirin, Ibuprofen like Advil or Motrin, and Naproxen like Aleve. Talk to your healthcare provider about yourmedication options.Page 1 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005896 EN Enoxaparin.pdf© The Wellness NetworkEnoxaparinWhen taking Enoxaparin you will have regular blood tests to see how well it is working. Keep all of your healthcareappointments.The most common side effect of Enoxaparin is bleeding or bruising. Be careful to avoid getting a cut or injury.Some other common side effects include: anemia, headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath.If you do notice any of these side effects contact your healthcare provider about how to manage them.If you require a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia called an epidural while taking Enoxaparin, you are at an increasedrisk of developing a very serious blood clot around your spine. This can cause paralysis.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your face or throat, call 911.If you: are coughing up or vomiting blood, have urine that looks red or rusty, have red, black, or tarry bowelmovements, or have pain, swelling or discomfort in the stomach, abdomen or joints. These can be a sign of internalbleeding. Call 911.If you have: sudden leg or foot pain, purple toes or fingers, sudden dizziness, weakness or headache, shortness ofbreath, fast heartbeat, pale skin, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or you stop urinating, call 911 and get helpimmediately.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible side effects with your healthcareprovider.Take Enoxaparin exactly as prescribed. If you are injecting Enoxaparin yourself, meet with your healthcare providerto ensure you know how to inject it correctly.Enoxaparin should be injected into your abdomen, or stomach area, 2 inches from your belly button. Alternate sidesof your belly button with each injection. This helps keep your skin and underlying tissues healthy.You may be told to take your Enoxaparin every 12 hours, or you may need to take it once daily.If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose andreturn to your normal medication schedule. Do not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Enoxaparin,call 911.Page 2 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005896 EN Enoxaparin.pdf© The Wellness NetworkEnoxaparinStore Enoxaparin at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicine cabinet isnot the best place because of moisture.Do not use Enoxaparin past the expiration date printed on the pre-filled syringe. Enoxaparin is clear. Never useEnoxaparin that has changed color or has particles in it.Do not leave your medication where it can get too hot or too cold. Always store your medication out of sight and outof reach of children to prevent accidents.When you are done taking Enoxaparin, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the proper way todispose of any unused medications. Do not flush this medication down the toilet.Enoxaparin can reduce your risk of dangerous blood clots. But it is a powerful medication that should only be takenexactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Enoxaparin, ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist formore information.Page 3 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005896 EN Enoxaparin.pdf© The Wellness Network
