Introduction

Enoxaparin (ee-nox-a-PA-rin)

Prevents and treats blood clots. Also used to treat certain types of acute heart attacks.

Brand Name(s)

Lovenox, Novaplus Lovenox

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to enoxaparin, heparin, or products made from pork. You should not use enoxaparin if you have bleeding disorders or any active bleeding.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Give yourself the shot while you are lying down.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin®). Tell your doctor if you use dipyridamole (Persantine®), ketorolac (Toradol®), or sulfinpyrazone (Anturane®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using pain or arthritis medicine such as Advil®, Aleve®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Relafen®, or Voltaren®. Avoid taking aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin, unless your doctor tells you to.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a stomach ulcer, high blood pressure, diabetes, blood vessel problems, heart infection, kidney disease, liver disease, or a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have recently had a stroke, or surgery on your eyes, brain, or spine. Tell your doctor if you have had a heart valve replacement.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• You may bleed and bruise more easily while you are using this medicine. Be extra careful to avoid injuries until the effects of the medicine have worn off. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers. Avoid picking your nose. If you need to blow your nose, blow it gently.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blood in your urine.
• Bloody or black, tarry stools.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Fever.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Confusion.
• Nausea or diarrhea.
• Pain, redness, bruising, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.