Health Library

Enoxaparin (By injection)

Enoxaparin (ee-nox-a-PAR-in)

Prevents and treats blood clots. Also treats heart attacks. This medicine is a blood thinner.

Brand Name(s):

Lovenox, PremierPro Rx Lovenox

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• 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. Do not inject into skin areas that are bruised or have scars.
• Check the liquid in the vial or prefilled syringe. It should be clear and colorless or pale yellow. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or if you see particles in it.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. If you were given a bottle of medicine to use with your syringes, you must use the medicine within 28 days after the first shot. Throw away the unused medicine in the bottle after 28 days.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines can affect how enoxaparin works. Tell your doctor if you are using aspirin, dipyridamole, sulfinpyrazone, blood thinners, or NSAIDs (including ketorolac, tromethamine).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood vessel problems, diabetes, a heart infection, uncontrolled high blood pressure, stomach ulcer or bleeding, or bleeding problems (including hemophilia, bleeding disorder caused by heparin). Tell your doctor if you had a stroke, eye, brain, or spine surgery, or heart valve replacement.
• This medicine lowers the number of certain blood cells, so you may bleed or bruise more easily. Be careful to avoid injuries.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

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
• Fever
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Red or dark brown urine, bloody, black, tarry stools
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

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

• Confusion
• Diarrhea, nausea
• Pain, itching, burning, redness, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024