WARNING: SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA
Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients who are anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) or heparinoids and are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include:
Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary.
Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis.
LOVENOX® is indicated for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in medical patients who are at risk for thromboembolic complications due to severely restricted mobility during acute illness.
Results from the landmark MEDENOX trial...
In MEDENOX (Prophylaxis in Medical Patients With Enoxaparin), a multicenter, multinational, double-blind study, 1102 acutely ill medical patients were randomized to either LOVENOX® (20 mg or 40 mg) SC once daily or placebo for a planned 6 to 14 days. 9
Benefit/risk profile Based upon these calculations from trial results, LOVENOX® had an estimated 94 fewer DVT/PE events per 1000 acutely ill medical patients vs placebo, with 6 additional major bleeds 10,a
In MEDENOX subgroup analyses, LOVENOX® showed trending toward reductions in DVT/PE events across all patient characteristics 7
aThe NNT and the benefit/risk profile were not prespecified analyses in the trials and were calculated using the reported absolute risk reduction results. 10
bBased on the rate of major bleeding on LOVENOX® up to 24 hours after the last dose. 6
cHemorrhage was classified as major if bleeding was overt and was associated with the need for transfusion of 2 or more units of packed red blood cells or whole blood, or with a decrease in the Hgb concentration of 2.0 g/dL or more from baseline, or if bleeding was retroperitoneal, intracranial, or fatal. 9
dResults from a post hoc analysis in predefined subgroups of the MEDENOX study. Patients included were hospitalized for acute heart failure (New York Heart Association class III [moderate] or class IV [severe] congestive heart failure) or acute respiratory failure that did not require immediate ventilatory support. Other patients had 1 of 3 medical conditions (acute infectious disease without septic shock, an acute rheumatic disorder, or an active episode of inflammatory bowel disease) and at least 1 more predefined DVT/PE risk factor. Overall, there was a 63% RRR in DVT/PE. 7
Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary. Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis.
For more information, contact your local sanofi-aventis U.S. Representative or call sanofi-aventis U.S. Medical Information Services at 1-800-633-1610.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING.
Prescription LOVENOX® is available in pharmacies.
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