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

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

Warning

  • People who have any type of spinal or epidural procedure are more likely to have bleeding problems around the spine when already on this drug. This bleeding rarely happens, but can lead to not being able to move body (paralysis) long-term or paralysis that will not go away. The risk is raised in people who have problems with their spine, a certain type of epidural catheter, or have had spinal surgery. The risk is also raised in people who take any other drugs that may affect blood clotting, like blood-thinner drugs (like warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen.
  • Tell the doctor your child uses this drug before your child has a spinal or epidural procedure. Call the doctor right away if your child has any signs of nerve problems like back pain, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, paralysis, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
  • Talk with the doctor if your child has recently had or will be having a spinal or epidural procedure. Some time may need to pass between the use of this drug and your child’s procedure. Talk with your child’s doctor.

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.
  • This drug is not approved for use in children. However, the doctor may decide the benefits of taking this drug outweigh the risks. If your child has been given this drug, ask the doctor for information about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions about giving this drug to your child.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

All products:

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

Multi-dose vials:

  • If your child has an allergy to benzyl alcohol, talk with your child’s 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 the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

All products:

  • Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Your child may bleed more easily. Make sure your child is careful and avoids injury. Be sure your child has a soft toothbrush.
  • Severe and sometimes deadly bleeding problems have happened with this drug.
  • Have your child’s blood work checked often. Talk with your child’s doctor.
  • If your child falls or is injured, or hits their head, call the doctor right away.
  • 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 child’s body mass index (BMI). If you do not know, talk with the 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.
  • 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:

  • Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

Multi-dose vials:

  • This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if your child takes it during pregnancy. If your child is pregnant or gets pregnant while taking this drug, call the doctor right away.
  • Tell the doctor if your child is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about any risks to the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s 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 child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has 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 child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child 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 child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s 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 your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
  • Keep giving this drug to your child as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child feels 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.
  • Have your child 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 my child misses a dose?

  • Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
  • Do not give 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 child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
  • Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s 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

Copyright

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Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022