Health Library

Enoxaparin

(ee-NOX-ah-peh-rin)

Enoxaparin (Lovenox), or low molecular weight heparin, is an anticoagulant. Anticoagulants are medications prescribed specifically to prevent and treat the formation of clots within blood vessels, also called thrombosis.

Enoxaparin is given by a subcutaneous injection. A subcutaneous injection is an injection into the tissue just below the skin. The injections can be given in the legs, arms or abdomen. It comes in a vial or pre-filled syringe form.

Special Instructions

• It is very important for you to tell your child's dentist and all doctors prior to and at the beginning of each visit that he / she is taking enoxaparin.
• The amount of enoxaparin given is based on the patient's diagnosis and weight and may be adjusted based on lab tests.
• Several lab tests may be done on your child to monitor the effects of the enoxaparin. A complete blood count will be checked prior to starting treatment and as needed while on the treatment. An Anti-Factor Xa level (also called a low molecular weight heparin level) will be checked one to three days after enoxaparin is started and once or twice a month thereafter.
• Do not give your child any other medicine, prescription or over the counter (OTC), without first talking to your child's doctor.
• Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle / package. Vials expire 28 days after opening.
• Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
• If too much medicine is given by accident, call your child's doctor immediately or on-call doctor if after business hours.

If Your Child Misses a Dose

For any medicine information related to your child's dosing schedule and / or missed doses, contact the health care provider who prescribed the medication.

Possible Side Effects of Medication

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Irritation or pain at the injection site

Call Your Child's Doctor If:

• Bruises or tender swellings without obvious cause
• Severe and prolonged headaches
• Nose bleeds
• Coughing up blood
• Bleeding heavily from the gums after brushing teeth
• Prolonged bleeding from small cuts
• Heavy bleeds at menstrual periods -- such as twice the usual flow
• Swelling and tenderness or pain in the abdomen
• Vomiting red blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Bowel movements that are loose or containing blood or that are black and bad smelling
• Urine that contains blood or that is dark brown or cloudy
• Severe, prolonged back pain, without obvious cause
• If your child falls or suffers a blow to the head, even if he / she does not lose consciousness or have a headache