Lovenox Vial
Indications
Lovenox vial is a blood thinner medicine used to treat and prevent blood clots. The medication also helps reduce the risk of developing a stroke or heart attack.
Enoxaparin sodium is an anticoagulant that maintains proper blood flow by inhibiting the activity of proteins in your blood that cause clotting. When injected daily, Lovenox vial helps prevent and treat blood clots by maintaining blood flow throughout your body.
Dosage and Administration
The dose of Lovenox vial that is prescribed will vary depending on the individual and severity of the condition being treated. Follow all your healthcare provider’s instructions and read packaging labels carefully to ensure the best results. Do not use more or less than prescribed and do not suddenly stop using the medication.
- Inject under the skin as directed
- Most users inject Lovenox once or twice a day
- Inject the medicine in your abdomen at least 2 inches from your belly button
- Lovenox should not be injected into a muscle
- Those having abdominal surgery tend to inject 40mg two hours before the surgery and continuing daily for 7 to 10 days
- For hip or knee replacement surgery, users should inject 30mg every 12 hours starting 12 to 24 hours after surgery and continuing for 7 to 10 days
- Those receiving hip surgery may be prescribed 40mg once daily for up to 3 weeks after surgery
- During acute illness, users should inject 40mg once daily for 6 to 11 days
- To treat deep vein thrombosis, users should inject 1mg/kg of body weight every 12 hours until a therapeutic effect has been achieved in 5 to 7 days
- Those with unstable angina and non-q wave infarction should take 1mg/kg every 12 hours alongside oral aspirin. Treatment should last at least 2 days and continue until your condition stabilizes, up to 8 days
- To treat acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction users should receive a 30mg bolus followed by injections of 1mg/kg every 12 hours
- Store at room temperature away from children and pets
- Do not let the Lovenox vial freeze
Side Effects
Lovenox may cause you to develop some side effects while treating or preventing blood clots. Speak to your healthcare provider for more information about any symptoms you may have.
Common Lovenox vial side effects:
- Mild irritation or pain at injection site
- Bruising, redness, or swelling where injected
Serious Side Effects
Some more serious adverse reactions may occur during treatment with Lovenox vial. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following serious signs of bleeding:
- Unusual pain, swelling, or discomfort
- Unusual or prolonged bleeding
- Abnormal or easy bruising
- Dark urine
- Tarry stools
- Severe headache
- Confusion
- Changes in vision
- Unusual dizziness
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Weakness
- numbness
Allergic Reactions
Do not take Lovenox if you are allergic to enoxaparin, heparin, or pork products, or any of the other ingredients. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction such as:
- Rash
- Itching or swelling
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
Cautions
- Lovenox may cause bleeding near the spinal cord after certain spinal procedures which can cause paralysis that may become permanent.
- Your risk of bleeding may increase if you have a spinal deformity, have had spinal procedures or surgery before, or are taking drugs that can cause bleeding and bruising. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms including back pain, leg numbness, tingling, or weakness, or a loss of bowel or bladder control.
- Before using Lovenox vial, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any of the following conditions:
- Artificial heart valve
- Kidney disease
- Bleeding or blood problems like low platelet counts
- Low platelet counts after receiving heparin treatment
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Certain eye problems like diabetic retinopathy
- Certain stomach or intestinal problems like active or recent ulcers
- Recent spinal procedure or puncture
- Spinal issues like spinal deformity
- Recent eye, brain, or spinal cord surgery
- Avoid or limit the amount of alcohol you drink during treatment with Lovenox because it can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
- Before undergoing surgery, ensure your surgeon knows you take Lovenox.
- Avoid activities like contact sports and use caution handling sharp objects to lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured since this medication can make you bleed more.
- Older patients may be more sensitive to side effects of Lovenox vial, especially bleeding.
- Only use Lovenox during pregnancy if clearly needed. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.
- It is unknown if Lovenox passes into breastmilk or not; consult with your healthcare provider before breastfeeding during treatment.
- Some drugs may interact with Lovenox and cause adverse reactions. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including over the counter medicines, but especially any of the following:
- Mifepristone
- Other blood thinners or medicines with anti-platelet effects like aspirin or warfarin
- Pain or fever reducers like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Continue taking medications previously prescribed to you unless directed to do otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Form and Strength
This anticoagulant medicine is available in injection vial form.
- Lovenox vial injection strength:
- 100mg/ml
The 100mg/ml strength Lovenox vial is available in volumes of 3ml.
FAQ
What to avoid while on Lovenox?
During treatment with Lovenox, you should limit or avoid drinking alcohol because it increases your risk of intestinal bleeding. You should also avoid certain medications that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others with anti-platelet effects because they can increase bleeding and bruising.
What time of day is best Lovenox injection?
You can inject Lovenox any time of the day without reducing its effects, but you should administer it at the same time(s) each day. Your healthcare provider may prescribe you to inject Lovenox once or twice daily. Follow all instructions given by your healthcare provider for the best results.
Resources:
Additional information
Brand Name: |
Lovenox Vial |
---|---|
Scientific Name: |
Enoxaparin Sodium |
Other Names: |
Lovenox Vial |
Strength(s): |
100mg/mL |
Quantities Available: |
3mL |
Formulation: |
Vial |