Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Lovenox
- Anticoagulants, Cardiovascular;
- Anticoagulants, Hematologic
Description
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
Used for prophylaxis and management of systemic thromboembolism
More predictable anticoagulant response than unfractionated heparin
Indications
Indicated for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) including acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
Contraindications
Active major bleeding, thrombocytopenia with antiplatelet antibody in presence of enoxaparin or heparin
History of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) within past 100 days or in presence of circulating antibodies
Hypersensitivity to enoxaparin, heparin, pork products, benzyl alcohol (multiple dose formulations only) or other ingredients
Adverse Effects
Hemorrhage (1-4%)
Elevation of serum aminotransferases (6%)
Fever (5-8%)
Local site reactions (2-5%)
Thrombocytopenia (3%)
Nausea (3%)
Anemia (2%)
Ecchymosis (3%)
Atrial fibrillation
Heart failure
Pulmonary edema
Pneumonia
Warnings
Epidural or spinal hemorrhage and subsequent hematomas reported with the use of enoxaparin and epidural or spinal anesthesia/analgesia or spinal puncture procedures, resulting in long-term or permanent paralysis (see Black Box Warnings)
Use with caution in patients with a bleeding diathesis, uncontrolled arterial hypertension or a history of recent gastrointestinal ulceration, diabetic retinopathy, renal dysfunction and hemorrhage
Bleeding may occur; monitor patients with risk factors including congenital or acquired bleeding disorders, bacterial endocarditis, severe uncontrolled hypertension, hemorrhagic stroke, used shortly after brain, spinal, or ophthalmic surgery in patients treated concomitantly with platelet inhibitors or history of heparin induced thrombocytopenia, severe liver disease, diabetic retinopathy, patients undergoing invasive procedures, active ulcerative or angiodysplastic diseases, recent GI bleeding or ulceration
To minimize risk of bleeding following PCI, achieve hemostasis, at puncture site after PCI; sheath can be removed immediately if closure device used; if manual compression used remove sheath 6 hr after last IV/SC dose of enoxaparin; additional doses not recommended until 6-8 hr after sheath removal; observe for signs of bleeding/hematoma formation
Multidose formulation contains benzyl alcohol preservative, linked to fatal “gasping syndrome” in premature neonates
Monitor for hyperkalemia (possibly from aldosterone suppression); mainly a concern among patients with risk factors including renal dysfunction, concomitant use of potassium sparing diuretics or potassium supplements
Pregnancy and Lactation
Human data from a retrospective cohort study, suggest that enoxaparin does not increase risk of major developmental abnormalities
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; not recommended
Maximum Dosage
Enoxaparin has a narrow therapeutic index, specific for the patient population and indication. The maximum dosage is individualized based on anti-factor Xa concentrations and assessment of efficacy and safety parameters.
How supplied
Enoxaparin sodium
multidose vial
- 100mg/mL (3mL vial)
prefilled syringe
- 30mg/0.3mL
- 40mg/0.4mL
- 60mg/0.6mL
- 80mg/0.8mL
- 100mg/mL
- 120mg/0.8mL
- 150mg/mL