Home : Drugs A - Z : Enoxaparin

What is this medicine?
ENOXAPARIN (ee nox a PA rin) is used after knee, hip, or abdominal surgeries to prevent blood clotting. It is also used to treat existing blood clots in the lungs or in the veins.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• black, tarry stools
• breathing problems
• dark urine
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever
• heavy menstrual bleeding
• unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• pain or irritation at the injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health-care professional. You or a family member may be trained on how to give the injections. If you are to give yourself injections, make sure you understand how to use the syringe, measure the dose if necessary, and give the injection. To avoid bruising, do not rub the site where this medicine has been injected. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your doctor or health care professional for proper disposal.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• heparin
• mifepristone
• warfarin

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• cilostazol
• clopidogrel
• dipyridamole
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• sulfinpyrazone
• ticlopidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Who should NOT use this medication?

• Active major bleeding.
• Thrombocytopenia associated with a positive in vitro test for anti-platelet antibody in the presence of the drug.
• Known hypersensitivity to enoxaparin sodium, heparin, pork products, or any ingredient in the formulation.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional and seek emergency treatment if you develop increased difficulty in breathing, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or arms, abdominal pain, decreased vision, pain when walking, or pain and warmth of the arms or legs. These can be signs that your condition has gotten worse.

Monitor your skin closely for easy bruising or red spots, which can be signs of bleeding. If you notice easy bruising or minor bleeding from the nose, gums/teeth, in your urine, or stool, contact your doctor or health care professional right away. The dose of your medicine may need to be changed.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Try to avoid injury while you are using this medicine. Be careful when brushing or flossing your teeth, shaving, cutting your fingernails or toenails, or when using sharp objects. Report any injuries to your doctor or health care professional.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders, hemorrhage, or hemophilia
• infection of the heart or heart valves
• kidney or liver disease
• previous stroke
• prosthetic heart valve
• recent surgery or delivery of a baby
• ulcer in the stomach or intestine, diverticulitis, or other bowel disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to enoxaparin, heparin, pork or pork products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.