Medications and Drugs

Energy-Boosting Foods for COPD Slideshow Bronchitis Slideshow Pictures Worst Smog Cities in America Slideshow

Brand Names: Lovenox

Generic Name: enoxaparin (Pronunciation: ee nox AP a rin)

• What is enoxaparin (Lovenox)?
• What are the possible side effects of enoxaparin (Lovenox)?
• What is the most important information I should know about enoxaparin (Lovenox)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using enoxaparin (Lovenox)?
• How is enoxaparin given (Lovenox)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Lovenox)?
• What happens if I overdose (Lovenox)?
• What should I avoid while using enoxaparin (Lovenox)?
• What other drugs will affect enoxaparin (Lovenox)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is enoxaparin (Lovenox)?

Enoxaparin is a blood thinner, also called anticoagulant (an-tye-koe-AG-yoo-lant). Enoxaparin prevents the formation of blood clots.

Enoxaparin is used to prevent blood clots that are sometimes called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs. A DVT can occur after certain types of surgery, or in people who are bed-ridden due to a prolonged illness. DVT sometimes occurs suddenly for other reasons.

Enoxaparin is also used to prevent blood vessel complications in people with certain types of angina (chest pain) or heart attacks called non-Q-wave myocardial infarction or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Enoxaparin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of enoxaparin (Lovenox)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• bleeding that won't stop;
• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual weakness;
• swelling, bruising, or bleeding where an incision was made during a surgery or other medical procedure;
• sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• pain or swelling in one or both legs;
• cough, chest pain, trouble breathing; or
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, diarrhea;
• swelling in your hands or feet; or
• mild swelling, pain, bruising, or redness where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about enoxaparin (Lovenox)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to enoxaparin, heparin, or pork products, or if you have any type of major bleeding or a very low blood platelet count.

Before receiving enoxaparin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney or liver disease, a heart infection, any bleeding or clotting disorder, high blood pressure, diabetes, a stomach ulcer, an artificial heart valve, or a history of stroke or recent brain or spine surgery.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with enoxaparin. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

You will most likely be treated with other medications such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. During your treatment with enoxaparin, do not use any other medications unless your doctor tells you to.

If you need to have any type of surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using enoxaparin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time, especially if you will be receiving spinal or epidural anesthesia (also called spinal block). This type of anesthesia may increase the risk of paralysis in people who are also using enoxaparin.