What Are Enoxaparin (Lovenox) Injections?
(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 (shot) 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.
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 check the effects of the enoxaparin. A complete blood count will be checked before 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 after that.
Special Instructions
- It is very important for you to tell your child's dentist and all doctors before and at the beginning of each visit that your child is taking enoxaparin.
- 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. 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 the on-call doctor if after business hours.
If Your Child Misses a Dose
Contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication if you have questions about your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses.
Possible Side Effects of Medication
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Irritation or pain at the injection site
When to Call a Doctor:
Call your child’s doctor if your child:
- Has bruises or tender swellings without obvious cause
- Has severe and prolonged headaches
- Has nose bleeds
- Is coughing up blood
- Is bleeding heavily from the gums after brushing teeth
- Has prolonged bleeding from small cuts
- Has heavy bleeds at menstrual periods, such as twice the usual flow
- Has swelling and tenderness or pain in the abdomen
- Is vomiting red blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Has bowel movements that are loose, have blood in them or that are black and bad smelling
- Has blood in their urine (pee), or urine that is dark brown or cloudy
- Has severe, prolonged back pain, without obvious cause
- Falls or has a blow to the head, even if they do not lose consciousness or have a headache
