Generic name: Enoxaparin Injection [ ee-noks-a-PA-rin ]
Brand name: Lovenox
Drug class: Heparins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 17, 2023.

Uses of Lovenox:

• It is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form.
• It is used to treat blood clots.
• It is used to lower the number of heart attacks in patients who have unstable angina or mild heart attacks.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Lovenox?

• If you have an allergy to enoxaparin or any other part of Lovenox (enoxaparin injection).
• If you are allergic to pork products, talk with the doctor.
• If you are allergic to Lovenox (enoxaparin injection); any part of Lovenox (enoxaparin injection); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have ever had a low platelet count during past use of Lovenox (enoxaparin injection), heparin, or another drug like this one.
• If you have bleeding problems.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Lovenox (enoxaparin injection).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Lovenox (enoxaparin injection) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Lovenox?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Lovenox (enoxaparin injection). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• Severe and sometimes deadly bleeding problems have happened with Lovenox (enoxaparin injection).
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Use care if you weigh less than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
• If you fall or hurt yourself, or if you hit your head, call your doctor right away. Talk with your doctor even if you feel fine.
• This medicine has caused a problem called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT that leads to blood clots is called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT). HIT and HITT can be deadly or cause other problems. They can happen up to several weeks after stopping Lovenox (enoxaparin injection). If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use Lovenox (enoxaparin injection) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Lovenox (enoxaparin injection) while you are pregnant.

Related/similar drugs

amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, aspirin, carvedilol, Eliquis, propranolol

How is this medicine (Lovenox) best taken?

Use Lovenox (enoxaparin injection) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the right or left side of the belly.
• This medicine must not be given into a muscle.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Keep using Lovenox (enoxaparin injection) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• This medicine is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
• Sit or lie down before use.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• If using prefilled syringe, do not get rid of air bubble from syringe before giving.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Change in skin color.
• Feeling confused.
• Very bad headache.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.

What are some other side effects of Lovenox?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Upset stomach.
• Irritation where the shot is given.
• Diarrhea.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Lovenox?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Lovenox (enoxaparin injection), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• How and where is Lovenox injection given?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer