LOVENOX (ENOXAPARIN SODIUM)

Name  
Lovenox   (Enoxaparin Sodium)
  

Use  

Used to reduce the risk of clots in patients at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT),  pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients with abnormal heart rhythms, or with a  history of valve replacement.
  

Action  

Lovenox is an anticoagulant that slows, or prevents, the development of clots.

Possible Side Effects

 
Every drug is capable of producing side effects.  Most patients experience no, or minor, side effects.

Possible side effects:
Common: bleeding at the site of the injection, bruising.
Contact your doctor if you notice:
- any bleeding or oozing from your surgical wound, any blood in your urine or stool, or if you cough or vomit blood. 
-any pain or swelling in any part of your leg, foot or hip.
-dizziness, numbness, or tingling.
-rapid or unusual heartbeat.
-chest pain or shortness of breath.
-nausea, vomiting, or fever.
-confusion.

Lab Tests

Blood test to check kidney function, blood count, and PT/INR may be required prior to starting medication.  Pregnancy test may also be required.  When on medication additional testing may be needed as determined by your doctor. 
  

Guidelines for Taking This Medication

DO's

DO let the injection site dry after applying alcohol; a wet site can increase stinging.
DO be sure to hold the fold of skin on your abdomen until you are finished giving the injection.  This ensures that the medication enters the fatty tissue and not the muscle.
DO alternate injection sites daily.
DO inject at the same time each day.
DO dispose of the syringe after injection.
DO  look for unusual signs of bleeding.
DO tell your doctor about other medications you might be taking.

DON'T

DON'T put the syringe down or allow it to touch anything after taking off the needle cap.
DON'T twist off the cap, it could bend the needle.
DON'T inject into a scar, bruise, or an area where clothing could rub.
DON'T rub the site after injection, could cause bruising.
DON'T recap the needle after injection.  Use the protective shield.
DON'T freeze Lovenox, store at room temperature.
DON'T give Lovenox to anyone other than the person it was prescribed for.
DON'T take these common medications while on Lovenox unless instructed by a doctor:  Aspirin or Aspirin containing products, platelet inhibitors, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), cold or allergy products containing these drugs.

How to inject this medication:

Step 1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly

Step 2. Sit or lie in a comfortable position, so that you can see your abdomen.

Step 3. Choose an area on the right or left side of your abdomen, at least 2 inches from your belly button. Think "love handles."

Step 4. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. Let dry.

Step 5. Remove the needle cap by pulling it straight off the syringe and discard it in a sharps collector. If you did not receive a  Lovenox Discharge Kit from the hospital, you can obtain a sharps collector from your pharmacy.

Step 6. Hold the syringe like a pencil in your writing hand.

Step 7. With your other hand, pinch an inch of the cleansed area to make a fold in the skin. Insert the full length of the needle straight down–at a 90° angle–into the fold of skin.

Step 8. Press the plunger with your thumb until the syringe is empty.

Step 9. Pull the needle straight out at the same angle that it was inserted, and release the skin fold.

Step 10. Point the needle down and away from yourself and others, and push down on the plunger to activate the safety shield.

Step 11. Place the used syringe in the sharps collector

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How does Lovenox (enoxaparin sodium injection) help keep clots from forming?
A: Lovenox  is an anticoagulant, which slows down the formation of clots by reducing the amounts of certain clotting factors in your blood.

Q: Does my insurance cover the cost of Lovenox?
A: To find out, call our Patient Assistance Representatives at 1-888-632-8607. They are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., ET. Also, you may be eligible for a participating prescription savings.

Q: May I inject anywhere other than the abdominal area?
A: No. Lovenox should be injected into the fatty tissue only, which is why the abdomen is the recommended injection site. It is important not to inject Lovenox into the muscle, as it can cause you to bruise, which can be uncomfortable.

Q: How do I dispose of my syringes?
A: Simply drop your used syringes into a sharps collector—needle point facing down. Close the lid tightly, and be sure to keep the container out of the reach of children. If you did not receive a Lovenox Discharge Kit from the hospital, you can obtain a sharps collector from your pharmacy.

Q: What should I do if the automatic safety device has already been activated?
A: Do not use the syringe—use a new one for your injection. Keep the defective syringe safely stored and call us at 1-800-633-1610, or call your pharmacist.

Q: What should I do if there is an air bubble in the syringe?
A: Every syringe comes with a small air bubble. DO NOT expel the air bubble unless your doctor instructs you to adjust your dose. It’s safe to give yourself the injection, even with the air bubble.
 
Q: My doctor has prescribed less than the full syringe for me.  What should I do?
A: Hold the syringe with the needle pointing down, but close enough so you can read the writing.  Then expel the excess portion, and tap it off, until the contents align with the dosage that your physician prescribed.

Works Cited

"LOVENOX®-- Patient Information." LOVENOX®-: Treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Blood Clots. Sanofi Aventis, Mar. 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. http://www.lovenox.com/consumer/prescribed-lovenox/default.aspx.

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