LOVENOX®-Hospitalization
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KNOW LOVENOX®

Preparing for Hospitalization

Your risk for developing DVT blood clots may increase if you are going to be hospitalized with conditions such as*:

  • Hip- or knee-replacement surgery
  • Abdominal surgery
  • Certain types of cancer
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Flare-ups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Acute illness resulting in extended periods of immobility

*This is a partial listing of risk factors.

DVT blood clots result from a "sluggish" or disturbed blood flow, usually in the deep veins of the leg, and can lead to a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (PE).

LOVENOX® can help reduce this risk. This anticoagulant works to thin the blood, which reduces its clotting ability. Before your hospital stay, discuss your risk of developing DVT blood clots with your doctor and ask if LOVENOX® is right for you.

Hospital Preparation Checklist

As soon as you are scheduled for surgery or another hospital procedure, download and complete the Hospital Preparation Checklist. It can help you feel more prepared for your upcoming hospitalization. You'll find important tips for making your transition to and from the hospital go as smoothly as possible.

Download the Hospital Preparation Checklist (PDF)   Download the Hospital Preparation Checklist (PDF)

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INDICATIONS

LOVENOX® is indicated for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis, which may lead to pulmonary embolism:

  • in patients undergoing abdominal surgery who are at risk for thromboembolic complications;
  • in patients undergoing hip-replacement surgery, during and following hospitalization;
  • in patients undergoing knee-replacement surgery;
  • in medical patients who are at risk for thromboembolic complications due to severely restricted mobility during acute illness.

LOVENOX® injection is indicated for:

  • the inpatient treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis, with or without pulmonary embolism, when administered in conjunction with warfarin sodium;
  • the outpatient treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis, without pulmonary embolism, when administered in conjunction with warfarin sodium.
Important Safety Information

Certain procedures, called "epidural/spinal anesthesia" and "spinal puncture," may be used as a normal part of hospitalization. Patients requiring these procedures while being treated with LOVENOX® or other low-molecular-weight heparins are at risk of developing a blood clot in or around the spine. This condition may result in long-term or permanent paralysis.

LOVENOX® is not the same as "unfractionated heparin" or other drugs called "low-molecular-weight heparins." Therefore, these drugs cannot be used interchangeably with LOVENOX®.

LOVENOX® can alter the blood’s ability to clot. Patients treated with LOVENOX®, who also have conditions affecting the clotting system, must be carefully monitored by their physician. Adjusting the dose of LOVENOX® may be necessary for patients who have certain forms of kidney disease. All patients receiving LOVENOX®, as well as other anticoagulants, should be carefully monitored for bleeding by their physician. Bleeding can occur at any site with LOVENOX® use.

Platelet drops, known as "thrombocytopenia," can occur with LOVENOX® use. Cases of a related condition called "heparin-induced thrombocytopenia" have been observed in clinical practice. If you have had this condition, you must notify your healthcare professional. Your physician may perform blood tests to monitor for the occurrence of any drop in platelet count.

The use of LOVENOX® has not been adequately studied in pregnant women with artificial (mechanical) heart valves.

LOVENOX® should not be used in patients with an allergy or sensitivity reaction to the active ingredient called enoxaparin sodium, heparin, or pork products, and in patients with active major bleeding.

Common side effects include mild local reactions or irritation at the site of injection, pain, bruising, and redness of skin.

For specific questions about your health, you should always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional who is responsible for your care.

Please see Full Prescribing Information including boxed WARNING for additional important information.