Uses
Enoxaparin injection is used to prevent blood clots in the leg in patients who are on bed rest or who are having a hip replacement, knee replacement, or stomach surgery. It is used in combination with aspirin to prevent complications from angina (chest pain) and heart attacks. It is also used in combination with warfarin to treat blood clots in the leg.
Enoxaparin is in a class of medications called low molecular weight heparins. It works by stopping the formation of substances that cause clots.
Side Effects Of Enoxaparin Injection
Enoxaparin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- fever
- irritation or burning at the site of injection
If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- black or bloody stools
- blood in urine
- swollen ankles and/or feet
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking enoxaparin injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to enoxaparin, heparin, any other drugs, or pork products.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially those listed in the WARNING section and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have an artificial heart valve and if you have or have ever had kidney disease, an infection in your heart, a stroke, a bleeding disorder, ulcers, or a low platelet count.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking enoxaparin injection, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking enoxaparin.
Dosage Of Enoxaparin Injection
Enoxaparin comes as an injection in a syringe to be injected just under the skin (subcutaneously) but not into your muscle. It is usually given twice a day. You will probably begin using the drug while you are in the hospital and then use it for a total of 10 to 14 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use enoxaparin injection exactly as directed. Do not inject more or less of it or inject it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to use enoxaparin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking enoxaparin without talking to your doctor.
Your healthcare provider will teach you how to give yourself the shot or arrangements will be made for someone else to give you the shot. Enoxaparin is usually injected into the stomach area. You must use a different area of the stomach each time you give the shot. If you have questions about where to give the shot, ask your healthcare provider. Each syringe has enough drugs in it for one shot. Do not use the syringe and needle more than one time. Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider will tell you how to dispose of used needles and syringes to avoid accidental injury. Keep syringes and needles out of reach of children.
To inject enoxaparin, follow these instructions:
- Wash your hands and the area of skin where you will give the shot.
- Look at the syringe to be sure the enoxaparin injection is clear and colorless or pale yellow.
- Take the cap off the needle. Do not push any air or drug out of the syringe before giving the shot unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
- Lie down and pinch a fold of skin between your finger and thumb. Push the entire needle into the skin and then press down on the syringe plunger to inject the drug. Hold onto the skin the entire time you give the shot. Do not rub the site after you give the shot.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to monitor your enoxaparin injection therapy.
Enoxaparin prevents blood from clotting so it may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding if you are cut or injured. Avoid activities that have a high risk of causing injury. Call your doctor if bleeding is unusual.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information on enoxaparin injection has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
