Lovenox – what it is, how to use it and side effects!

Lovenox improves blood quality (enoxaparin) is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clots. it is used to treat or prevent a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). 

DVT can occur after certain types of surgery or in people who are bedridden from a long-term illness. Lovenox is also used to prevent blood vessel complications in people with certain types of angina (chest pain) or heart attack.

Important information about lovenox:

You should not use lvenenox  if you have active bleeding  , or a low level of platelets in your blood after testing positive for a particular antibody while using the drug.

Also, it can cause a very serious blood clot around the spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal (epidural) anesthesia, especially if you have a spinal defect, history of spinal surgery.

Or repeated spinal taps or if you are using other drugs that can affect blood clotting , including anticoagulants or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve and others). This type of blood clot can lead to permanent or long-term paralysis.

Get emergency medical help if you have symptoms of a spinal cord blood clot, such as back pain, numbness or muscle weakness in your lower body , or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Precautions before taking lovenox:

You should not use lovenox if you are allergic to heparin, benzyl alcohol or pork products, or if you have:

•  active or uncontrolled bleeding ;
• If you have decreased blood platelets after testing positive for a particular antibody during use within the last 100 days. 

Lovenox can make you bleed more easily, especially if you have:

• An inherited or disease-caused bleeding disorder;
• hemorrhagic stroke;
• An infection of the lining of the heart (also called bacterial endocarditis)
• Stomach or intestinal bleeding  or ulcer;
• Recent brain, spine, or eye surgery.

Also, this medication can cause a very serious blood clot around the spinal cord if you have a spinal tap or if you receive spinal (epidural) anesthesia.

Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had:

• A bleeding disorder , such as hemophilia;
• Kidney or liver disease;
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• Eye problems caused by diabetes;
• A stomach ulcer;
• Low blood platelets after receiving heparin.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you use lovenox during pregnancy, make sure your doctor knows if you have a mechanical heart valve. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine .

How to use lovenox?

Lovenox is usually given every day until your bleeding condition  improves. Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instructions.

• Lovenox is injected under the skin , or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare professional can teach you how to use the medication on your own.
• Carefully read and follow all instructions for use provided with your medication . Do not use lovenox if you do not understand all instructions for correct use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine  has changed color, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication .
• You must be sitting or lying down during the injection. Do not inject this medicine  into a muscle. Your doctor will show you where to place your body  to inject lovenox . Use a different site for each injection. Do not inject in the same place twice in a row.
• You will need frequent medical checkups to help your doctor determine how long you should treat you with lovenox . If you need surgery or dental treatment, tell your surgeon or dentist that you are currently using this medication . You may need to stop for a short time.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Each single-use pre-filled syringe is for single use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine inside. After the first use of a lovenox bottle (vial), you must use the medicine  within 28 days. Throw away the bottle after 28 days.
• Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof “sharp-punch” container. Follow state or local laws on how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose of lovenox?

Use the medication  as often as possible, but skip the dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

What to avoid when using lovenox?

Avoid activities that could increase your risk of bleeding  or injury. Take special care to avoid bleeding  when shaving or brushing your teeth.

Lovenox side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to lovenox : hives; itching or burning of the skin ; breathing difficulty; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Also seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of a blood clot: back pain, numbness or muscle weakness in your lower body ,  or loss of bladder or bowel control. Call your doctor right away if you have:

•  unusual bleeding , or any bleeding  that doesn’t stop;
• Easy bruising, purple or red spots under the skin ;
• Nosebleeds, bleeding  gums;
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding , blood  in the urine or stool;
• Coughing up blood  or vomit that looks like ground coffee;
• Signs of bleeding  in the brain – sudden weakness (especially on one side of the body ), sudden severe headache, problems with speech or vision
• Low red blood cells (anemia) – pale skin  , unusual tiredness, feeling dizzy or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

What other medicines will affect lovenox?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines , especially other medicines  to treat or prevent blood clots, such as:

• abciximab, anagrelide, cilostazole, clopidogrel, dipiridamole,  eptifibatide  , ticlopidine, tirofiban; alteplase, reteplase, tenecteplase, uroquinase; apixaban, argatroban, bivalirudina, dabigatran, desirudin, fondaparinux, lepirudina, rivaroxaban, tinzaparina; heparina.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with lovenox , including prescription  and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Other lovenox information:

Remember to keep this and all other medicines  out of the reach of children, never share your medicines  with others and use lovenox only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.