Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Lovenox (Enoxaparin).
Bleeding: The most serious risk associated with Lovenox (Enoxaparin) is bleeding in any tissue or organ. It is extremely important to have regular blood tests (as prescribed by your doctor) to ensure that the correct level of blood thinning is occurring. People with an increased risk of bleeding (such as seniors) should be closely monitored by their doctors while taking Lovenox (Enoxaparin). If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible.
Body weight: The safety and efficacy of Lovenox (Enoxaparin) for people of high weight (e.g., over 120 kg) and low weight (e.g., under 45 kg) have not been fully established. If you have a high or low weight, discuss with your doctor how Lovenox (Enoxaparin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lovenox (Enoxaparin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney problems: Decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease can cause Lovenox (Enoxaparin) to build up in the body, causing increased side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Lovenox (Enoxaparin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lovenox (Enoxaparin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver problems: If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Lovenox (Enoxaparin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lovenox (Enoxaparin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Medical conditions: If you have malignant disease; a history of thrombophilia and known deficiency in antithrombin III, protein C or protein S, or APC resistance; are bedridden due to infections with septic shock; severe COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) complicated by right heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Lovenox (Enoxaparin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lovenox (Enoxaparin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Osteoporosis: Prolonged use of Lovenox (Enoxaparin) (i.e., longer than 3 months) has been associated with the development of osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how Lovenox (Enoxaparin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lovenox (Enoxaparin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Platelets: Platelets are blood cells that cause blood to clot. While you are taking Lovenox (Enoxaparin), your doctor will also be monitoring your platelet count. If your platelet level drops very suddenly, you may have to stop Lovenox (Enoxaparin) and switch to another type of medication. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have had any problems with low platelets or platelet defects in the past.
Prosthetic heart valves: There have been reports of people with prosthetic heart valves who developed clots in their valves when treated with low molecular weight heparin medications, like Lovenox (Enoxaparin). Your doctor will need to monitor you closely while you are taking Lovenox (Enoxaparin).
Spinal/epidural hematomas (a collection of blood, usually clotted): There have been cases of spinal bleeding and blood clots when Lovenox (Enoxaparin) is used along with spinal or epidural anesthesia. These spinal blood clots may lead to long-term or permanent paralysis. The risk is greater with higher treatment doses of Lovenox (Enoxaparin) than with DVT prevention doses and if people are taking other medications that affect blood clotting (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] such as Naproxen or Ibuprofen). If you notice a sudden inability to move your body or sudden back pain or tenderness, get medical help immediately.
People who need repeated doses of Lovenox (Enoxaparin) should not receive anesthetics that are injected into the spine or epidural space.
Stomach or intestinal ulcers: If you have stomach or intestinal ulcers, discuss with your doctor how Lovenox (Enoxaparin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lovenox (Enoxaparin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Lovenox (Enoxaparin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Lovenox (Enoxaparin), contact your doctor immediately.
If you do use Lovenox (Enoxaparin) while you are pregnant, your doctor will need to closely monitor you because of an increased risk of bleeding. Pregnant women should not use Lovenox (Enoxaparin) from multidose vials that contain benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Benzyl alcohol crosses the placenta and can cause a potentially fatal gasping syndrome in premature or newborn babies. Pregnant women who have artificial heart valves will also need to be closely monitored by their doctors if they use Lovenox (Enoxaparin) because of a higher risk of developing clots in their heart valves.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Lovenox (Enoxaparin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Lovenox (Enoxaparin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Lovenox (Enoxaparin) have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may be at an increased risk of bleeding while using Lovenox (Enoxaparin). Your doctor may adjust your dose, especially if you weigh less than 45 kg or have decreased kidney function.
