What is enoxaparin?
Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots.
Enoxaparin is used to treat or prevent a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). A DVT can occur after certain types of surgery, or in people who are bed-ridden due to a prolonged illness.
Enoxaparin is also used to prevent blood vessel complications in people with certain types of angina (chest pain) or heart attack.
Enoxaparin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about enoxaparin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to enoxaparin, heparin, benzyl alcohol, or pork products, or if you have active bleeding, or a low level of platelets in your blood after testing positive for a certain antibody while using enoxaparin.
Enoxaparin may cause you to bleed more easily, especially if you have: a bleeding disorder, hemorrhagic stroke, an infection in the lining of your heart, stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcer, or if you have had recent brain, spine, or eye surgery.
Enoxaparin can cause a very serious blood clot around your brain or spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural), especially if you have a genetic spinal defect, a history of spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps, or if you are using other medications to treat or prevent blood clots. Symptoms of this type of blood clot include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or loss of movement. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using enoxaparin.
Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can increase your risk of bleeding or life-threatening blood clots, and it is very important to tell your doctor about all medicines you have recently used.
Blood clots around the brain or spinal cord may occur if you use enoxaparin with other drugs that can affect blood clotting, including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin, and any other medications to treat or prevent blood clots.
Tell your caregivers at once if you have signs of bleeding such as black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, confusion, feeling like you might pass out, or any bleeding that will not stop.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using enoxaparin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to enoxaparin, heparin, benzyl alcohol, or pork products, or if you have:
Enoxaparin may cause you to bleed more easily, especially if you have:
a bleeding disorder that is inherited or caused by disease;
hemorrhagic stroke;
an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis);
stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcer; or
recent brain, spine, or eye surgery.
Enoxaparin can cause a very serious blood clot around your brain or spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural). This type of blood clot could cause long-term paralysis, and may be more likely to occur if you have:
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need an enoxaparin dose adjustment or special tests:
kidney or liver disease;
uncontrolled high blood pressure;
eye problems caused by diabetes;
recent stomach ulcer; or
if you have ever had low blood platelets after receiving heparin.
FDA pregnancy category B. Enoxaparin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, some forms of this medication contain a preservative that may be harmful to a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. If you use this medication during pregnancy, make sure your doctor knows if you have a mechanical heart valve.
It is not known whether enoxaparin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.