Enoxaparin
Introduction To Enoxaparin
Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent and treat harmful blood clots. It stops the existing clots from getting any bigger and restricts the formation of any new clot. It is also helpful in the prevention of blood clots in veins, a condition called deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.
Enoxaparin is injected under the skin by a doctor or nurse. It should not be injected into a muscle. The dose and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, your response to the medicine, and what you are being treated for. It may also be based on your age and weight. It is important to keep using this medicine even if you do not notice any symptoms because it is preventing future harm. If you stop taking it, you could get a blood clot. While taking this medicine you should avoid doing things that increase your risk of bleeding or injury.
The most common side effect of this medicine include bleeding, headache, increased blood platelets, and increased liver enzymes. A severe headache could be a sign of bleeding in the brain. A severe stomach ache could be a sign of bleeding in the stomach. Bleeding can be dangerous and may not be obvious. Look out for symptoms and tell your doctor if you are worried.
Before using this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or have had a recent stroke. You should not take it if you have any current bleeding. Some medicines should not be used with Enoxaparin. Tell your doctor what else you are taking to make sure it is safe. If you have low body weight, you may be at increased risk of bleeding, and drinking alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Uses of Enoxaparin
- Treatment and prevention of Blood clots
Benefits of Enoxaparin
Treatment and prevention of Blood clots
Enoxaparin prevents new blood clots from forming and prevents the existing
ones from getting bigger. It works by blocking a substance in the body which
is involved in blood clotting. Thus it helps your blood flow smoothly
throughout the body. This can help reduce damage caused by clots in your lungs
(pulmonary embolism), brain (stroke), heart (heart attack), or other blood
vessels (thrombosis). It can also be used to prevent clots from forming after
surgery, for example, to replace a knee or hip joint. Although it does not
“dissolve” blood clots, it can prevent them from getting bigger so your body
can dissolve them over time. It can also make it less likely that parts of a
clot will break off and travel to other parts of the body.
Side effects of Enoxaparin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Emparin
- Bleeding
- Headache
- Low blood platelets
- Increased liver enzymes
How to use Enoxaparin
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Enoxaparin works
Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant. It works by inactivating certain blood- clotting proteins. This prevents the formation of blood clots and prevents blockages in the blood vessels of the body.
Quick tips
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You have been prescribed Enoxaparin for the treatment and prevention of blood clots.
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Enoxaparin increases your risk of bleeding. Be careful while shaving, using sharp objects or cutting fingernails or toenails.
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Inform your doctor if you are also taking other medicines that increase the bleeding risk like aspirin and NSAIDs.
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Inform your doctor if there is bleeding from gums, nose or wounds that lasts more than 15 minutes or if blood appears in your urine, stool or vomit.
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Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Enoxaparin if I’m pregnant?
Enoxaparin is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Enoxaparin if I’m breastfeeding?
Enoxaparin is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. Enoxaparin is released in small amounts in the breast milk and amounts reaching the baby are also small, which would not be expected to cause any harmful effects to the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Enoxaparin safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Enoxaparin. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Enoxaparin?
Enoxaparin does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Enoxaparin if I have/had kidney diseases?
Enoxaparin should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Enoxaparin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Enoxaparin if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Enoxaparin in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor. However, cautious use is advised in patients with underlying liver disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do you administer Enoxaparin?
Enoxaparin is a medicine which is injected beneath the skin. Fix the dose of the medicine and pinch the skin of your stomach between your finger and thumb to make a fold. After having cleaned the area, hold the syringe like a pencil and insert the full length of the needle into the skin fold. Inject the medicine and discard the syringe as instructed by your prescribing physician. Follow the instructions given by the healthcare provider strictly. Contact your doctor in case of any doubt or any reactions associated with the medicine.
Q. What are the conditions where I should be cautious before taking Enoxaparin?
You must give a proper history to your doctor before you start taking Enoxaparin. Inform your doctor if you have a heart valve fitted or have gastric ulcer, high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney problems. You should also let your doctor know if you ever had a reaction to heparin or had a recent stroke, brain or spinal surgery. The chances of side effects and complications increase in presence of these conditions. Consult with your doctor and follow the instructions strictly.
Q. How to store Enoxaparin injections?
Store Enoxaparin injections at 25°C and do not freeze them. The multiple-dose vials should not be stored for more than 28 days after the first use. Discard the injection if you notice any particulate matter or abnormal color in the solution or any damage in the syringe. Read the medicine package leaflet before using this medication and ask the pharmacist in case of any doubt.
Q. Can Enoxaparin be used in heart attack?
Yes, Enoxaparin is used in the treatment of chest pain and heart attack once the standard treatment has been provided to the patient. It is given along with another blood thinner like aspirin. Being a blood-thinning agent, it prevents the blood from clotting and prevents any further episodes and complications.
Q. Is it ok to inject the air bubble in Enoxaparin?
Yes, you should push the air bubbles into the site of injection. Removing the air bubbles leads to loss of the medicine thereby altering the prescribed dose.
Q. How do you administer Enoxaparin?
Enoxaparin is a medicine which is injected beneath the skin. Fix the dose of the medicine and pinch the skin of your stomach between your finger and thumb to make a fold. After having cleaned the area, hold the syringe like a pencil and insert the full length of the needle into the skin fold. Inject the medicine and discard the syringe as instructed by your prescribing physician. Follow the instructions given by the healthcare provider strictly. Contact your doctor in case of any doubt or any reactions associated with the medicine.
Q. What are the conditions where I should be cautious before taking Enoxaparin?
You must inform the doctor all about your previous or present medical history before you start taking Enoxaparin. Inform your doctor if you have a heart valve fitted or have gastric ulcer, high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney problems. You should also let your doctor know if you ever had a reaction to heparin or had a recent stroke, brain or spinal surgery. The chances of side effects and complications increase in the presence of these conditions. Consult with your doctor and follow the instructions strictly.
Q. How to store Enoxaparin injections?
Store Enoxaparin injections at 25°C and do not freeze them. The multiple-dose vials should not be stored for more than 28 days after the first use. Discard the injection if you notice any particulate matter or abnormal color in the solution or any damage in the syringe. Read the medicine package leaflet before using this medication and ask the pharmacist in case of any doubt.
Q. Can Enoxaparin be used in heart attack?
Yes, Enoxaparin is used in the treatment of chest pain and heart attack once the standard treatment has been provided to the patient. It is given along with another blood thinner like aspirin. Being a blood-thinning agent, it prevents the blood from clotting and prevents any further episodes and complications.
Q. Is it ok to inject the air bubble in Enoxaparin?
Yes, you can inject air bubbles into the site of injection. In fact, removing the air bubbles from Enoxaparin can lead to loss of the medicine thereby altering the prescribed dose.
Q. When will I feel better after taking Enoxaparin?
Enoxaparin reduces your risk of developing blood clots in the blood vessels of your leg, lungs, heart and brain. You may not feel any difference after taking Enoxaparin. However, keep taking this medicine as prescribed by your doctor because you will still be getting its full benefits.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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