Enoxaparin

Overview

It's injected under the skin of the belly, often once or twice a day.

What it's used for

• Preventing clots after surgery or in the hospital
• Treating clots in the legs or lungs
• Heart attack and unstable angina (in the hospital)
• Clot prevention in pregnancy

How to take it

• Inject into the belly fat at least 2 inches from the belly button, alternating sides.
• Don't push out the air bubble in a prefilled syringe; don't rub the spot after.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

• Bruising or pain where injected
• Minor bleeding

Warnings

• Boxed warning: risk of spinal bleeding with spinal anesthesia or spinal taps.
• Doses depend on kidney function.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

• Aspirin, NSAIDs, and other blood thinners raise bleeding risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Commonly used for clots in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

• Blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis)
• Blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
• Heart attack