LOVENOX®-- Do's and Don'ts
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KNOW LOVENOX®

LOVENOX® Injection Do's and Don'ts

Things to keep in mind when using LOVENOX®

Do
1.   Do let the injection site dry after applying alcohol; a wet site can increase stinging.
2.   Do be sure to hold the fold of skin on your abdomen until you are finished giving the injection. This ensures that the medicine enters only the fatty tissue and not the muscle.
3.   Do alternate LOVENOX® injection sites each day.
4.   Do inject LOVENOX® at the same time each day.
5.   Do dispose of the syringe after injection 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.
6.   Do look for unusual signs of bleeding.
7.   Do tell your doctor about other medications you may be taking, including those that do not require a prescription.
Dont
1.   Don't put the syringe down or allow it to touch anything after taking off the needle cap.
2.   Don't twist off the needle cap—it could bend the needle.
3.   Don't inject LOVENOX® into a scar, bruise, or area where clothing may rub.
4.   Don't rub the site after the injection, which could cause bruising.
5.   Don't recap the needle after injection—the protective shield will be in place.
6.   Don't freeze LOVENOX®—store it at room temperature.
7.   Don't give LOVENOX® to anyone other than the person it was prescribed for.
8.   Don't take these common medicines while you are taking LOVENOX®, unless your doctor tells you to. They may increase your risk of bleeding:
   
  • Aspirin or aspirin-containing products
  • Other platelet inhibitors
  • Salicylates (aspirin-like products)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Cold or allergy products or pain relievers that contain any of these drugs

If you have any questions about LOVENOX®, please speak to your doctor or call the Patient Hotline at 1-800-633-1610.


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.