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Enoxaparin

Pronounced

"ee-nox-uh-PAIR-in"

Common brand names:

Lovenox

Uses

Enoxaparin is used to prevent and treat harmful blood clots. This helps to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack. This medication helps keep your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the activity of clotting proteins in the blood. Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant, also known as a "blood thinner." It is a type of heparin.

Conditions which increase your risk of developing blood clots include certain types of surgeries (such as knee/hip replacement, abdominal), long periods of being immobile, certain types of heart attack, and a specific type of chest pain called unstable angina. For some medical conditions, enoxaparin may be used in combination with other "blood thinners."

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using enoxaparin and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day. The injection is given in the abdomen (at least 2 inches from your belly button). Do not inject into a muscle. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, age, weight, and response to treatment.

Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

This medication may also be given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.