Medications and Drugs

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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 should I use enoxaparin (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 an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots.

Enoxaparin 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). A DVT can occur after certain types of surgery, or in people who are bed-ridden due to a prolonged illness.

Enoxaparin is also used to prevent blood vessel complications in people with certain types of angina (chest pain) or heart attack.

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; itching or burning skin; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using enoxaparin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), bleeding from wounds or needle injections, any bleeding that will not stop;
• easy bruising, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness (especially in your legs and feet);
• loss of movement in any part of your body;
• sudden weakness, severe headache, confusion, or problems with speech, vision, or balance; or
• trouble breathing.

Less serious side effects may include:

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

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 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 use this medication if you are allergic to enoxaparin, heparin, benzyl alcohol, or pork products, or if you have active bleeding, or a low level of platelets in your blood after testing positive for a certain antibody while using enoxaparin.

Enoxaparin may cause you to bleed more easily, especially if you have: a bleeding disorder, hemorrhagic stroke, an infection in the lining of your heart, stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcer, or if you have had recent brain, spine, or eye surgery.

Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can increase your risk of bleeding or life-threatening blood clots, and it is very important to tell your doctor about all medicines you have recently used.

Blood clots around the brain or spinal cord may occur if you use enoxaparin with other drugs that can affect blood clotting, including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin, and any other medications to treat or prevent blood clots.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have signs of bleeding such as black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, confusion, feeling like you might pass out, or any bleeding that will not stop.

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