Enoxaparin

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Enoxiluv Kit; Lovenox

Brand Names: Canada

Axberi; Axberi HP; Elonox; Elonox HP; Inclunox; Inclunox HP; Lovenox; Lovenox HP; Noromby; Noromby HP; Redesca; Redesca HP

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat or prevent blood clots.
• It is used to lower the number of heart attacks in patients who have unstable angina or mild heart attacks.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

All products:

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are allergic to pork products, talk with the doctor.
• If you have ever had a low platelet count during past use of this drug, heparin, or another drug like this one.
• If you have active bleeding or bleeding problems.

Multi-dose vials:

• If you have an allergy to benzyl alcohol, talk with your doctor.
• If your child is a newborn or infant. This drug has benzyl alcohol in it. If possible, avoid products with benzyl alcohol in newborns or infants. Serious side effects can happen in these children with some doses of benzyl alcohol, including if given with other drugs that have benzyl alcohol. This drug is not approved for use in children.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

All products:

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• Severe and sometimes deadly bleeding problems have happened with this drug.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• If you fall or hurt yourself, or if you hit your head, call your doctor right away. Talk with your doctor even if you feel fine.
• Females who weigh less than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and males who weigh less than 125 pounds (57 kilograms), must use this drug with care. The risk of side effects may be raised.
• Be sure you know your body mass index (BMI). If you do not know, talk with your doctor. The risk of side effects may be higher with a BMI of 30 or more.
• This drug has caused a problem called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT that leads to blood clots is called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITTS). HIT and HITTS can be deadly or cause other problems. They can happen up to several weeks after stopping this drug. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
• Blood clots in heart valves that have been replaced have happened with drugs like this one. In some pregnant patients, the blood clot led to death of the patient and/or the unborn baby. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.

Prefilled syringes:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Multi-dose vials:

• This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Bleeding, bruising, pain, or skin breakdown where the injection is given.
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Shortness of breath.
• Feeling confused.
• Very bad headache.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Upset stomach.
• Irritation where the shot is given.
• Diarrhea.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the right or left side of the belly.
• This drug must not be given into a muscle.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Keep using this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• This drug is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
• Sit or lie down before use.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Do not rub the site where you give the shot.
• Do not give into skin that is bruised or scarred. Do not give into the belly button.
• Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
• Do not inject through clothes.
• Do not use this drug if it has been dropped or if it is broken.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Prefilled syringes:

• If using prefilled syringe, do not get rid of air bubble from syringe before giving.
• Do not remove the cap or cover until ready to use.
• Each prefilled syringe is for one use only.
• Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Prefilled syringes:

• Store in the original carton or package until ready to use.

Multi-dose vials:

• After opening, throw away any part not used after 28 days.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-03-13

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