Enoxaparin
(ee-NOX-ah-peh-rin)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose l Side effects l Warning signs | Contact us
What is Enoxaparin?
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, similar to an insulin injection. The injections can be given in the legs, arms or abdomen.
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Special instructions
- It is very important for you to tell your child's dentist or doctor 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 to monitor the effects of the enoxaparin. A complete blood count will be checked prior to starting treatment and daily for the first few days while on the treatment. An Anti-Factor Xa level (also called a low molecular weight heparin level) will be checked 2 to 3 days after the low molecular weight heparin is started and once or twice a month thereafter.
- Do not give 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.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
- If too much medication is given by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
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If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and / or missed doses, contact the health care provider who prescribed the medication.
Side effects
Call your child's doctor if the following effects continue or are bothersome:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Irritation or pain at the injection site
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor if your child develops:
- 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
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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9/05
Written 7/03; revised 9/04, 9/05, 8/07
