Lovenox is the brand name for enoxaparin, a blood-thinning or anticoagulant drug used to prevent and treat blood clots.
Lovenox is often used to prevent blood clots in the legs, known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT). In DVT, the clots can travel from the legs to the lungs and can be life-threatening.
Lovenox is also used to prevent blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery or abdominal surgery. During these post-op times, clots are most likely to form.
The medicine is also used to prevent blood clots in the heart arteries during heart attacks.
Besides being used as a preventive medicine, Lovenox is also used to treat DVT once it occurs, sometimes together with a blood thinner, warfarin (Coumadin).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lovenox, made by Sanofi, in 1993. The drug is made from heparin, which is a blood thinner, and includes an active ingredient made up of a complex mixture of sugar molecules.
In 2010, the FDA approved the first generic version of the drug, made by Sandoz Inc.
Lovenox is injected subcutaneously or given intravenously (IV).
Lovenox carries a black-box warning explaining that its use in patients who have spinal or epidural anesthesia or spinal puncture carries an increased risk of bleeding and bruising. This bleeding and bruising may lead to long-term or permanent paralysis.
If you are on Lovenox, you will need to have blood tests periodically to see how well it is working.
Every doctor or dentist you go to should know you are taking Lovenox. If you are about to have a medical or dental procedure, ask if you should discontinue Lovenox beforehand.
The medicine carries a risk of bleeding problems even if you don't have anesthesia or a spinal puncture. If you notice any unusual bleeding, or bruising, tell your doctor.
Ask your dentist how best to clean your teeth and gums so you don't experience excessive bleeding.
If you fall, have a blow to the head or your body, or have recently had a baby, be sure your primary doctor knows. All of these events could increase the risk of excess bleeding while on Lovenox.
Be sure your doctor knows all your medicines. Don't start a new one, even an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, vitamin or herbal medicine, without your doctor's approval.
Lovenox is in Pregnancy Category B, according to the FDA, meaning that animal studies have not revealed evidence of harm to the developing baby but no adequate studies have been done in pregnant women.
Talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe to take Lovenox while pregnant.
No adequate studies have been done on the use of Lovenox while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor whether it’s safe to breastfeed while taking it.
Among the most common possible side effects of Lovenox are excessive bleeding and bruising. Use caution when using sharp instruments such as razors, and avoid situations in which you can be cut, injured, or bruised.
There are many possibly severe side effects of Lovenox. If any of these occur, call your doctor right away.
Many other side effects of Lovenox are rare. These include:
Lovenox can interact with numerous medications. As a precaution, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), illegal and recreational drugs, herbal remedies, nutritional and dietary supplements while on Lovenox.
It is important to avoid taking medicines that can increase a risk of bleeding while you are taking Lovenox. Drugs that should be avoided include:
Sometimes, a medicine that is usually not recommended to be taken with Lovenox may be required. In that case, your doctor may have to change the dose of one or both medicines or change how often you take them.
Lovenox is given as an injection under your skin. Your doctor may give you the injection or your doctor may teach you how to inject it yourself. Be sure you understand how to do it.
You will need to give yourself the shot in different areas of your body. Ask your doctor which locations are acceptable and keep track of where you inject so you can rotate locations. This helps prevent skin problems.
Your recommended dose of Lovenox will depend on your body weight, health condition, and other factors such as your kidney function. For instance, if you are taking Lovenox to prevent blood clots after a heart attack, the dose is often 1 milligram for every 2.2 pounds of body weight every 12 hours for two to eight days.
If you are injecting the medicine, be sure you know the exact dose, how long you go between doses, and how long you will be on the medication.
An overdose of Lovenox can cause excessive bleeding. Seek medical help right away if you suspect an overdose.
If you miss an injection, give it to yourself as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and get back on your regular schedule.
Never double up on doses of Lovenox.
A: Lovenox (enoxaparin) is a blood thinner, also called an anticoagulant. It is used to prevent blood clots that are sometimes called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs. A DVT can occur after certain types of surgery, or in people who are bed-ridden due to a prolonged illness. DVT sometimes occurs suddenly for other reasons. Enoxaparin is also used to prevent blood vessel complications in people with certain types of angina (chest pain) or heart attacks called non-Q-wave myocardial infarction or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Blood pressure medications are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. You may also find helpful information at http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/lovenox and http://www.everydayhealth.com/hypertension/
A: Lovenox (enoxaparin) is a blood thinner that is used to prevent blood clots. I have not seen any reports about the generic enoxaparin not working as well as the brand name. Generic medications have to be just as safe and effective as the brand name to be approved by the FDA. The lack of burning sensation when injected does not mean that enoxaparin is any less effective. If you want to be 100% certain that the generic is working as well as the brand name consult your physician. There is a blood test your physician can conduct to determine if the generic is working properly. Lovenox can interact with other medications, especially those that increase your bleeding risk. Burton Dunaway, PharmD
A: Lovenox (enoxaparin) is a low molecular weight heparin used to treat and prevent blood clots. The most common side effects with Lovenox are bruise at injection site, bleeding from any site, fever, local irritation and pain, diarrhea and nausea. Other side effects with Lovenox include blood in the urine. A search of the prescribing information for Lovenox did not specifically list increased urine frequency as a side effect. This is not a complete list of the side effects associated with Lovenox. Laura Cable, Pharm.D., BCPS
By Kathleen Doheny | Medically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer
Latest Update: 2014-12-04
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