Lovenox is an anticoagulant, a medication that prevents thrombosis.  Lovenox is prescribed by healthcare providers to treat and prevent thrombosis.  It does not dissolve a thrombosis, but may keep it from getting bigger or traveling to another area in your body

Dosing, Administration and Monitoring

Lovenox is given by an injection into the tissues just under the skin.  Someone that is taking Lovenox for a current blood clot will get Lovenox two times a day.  Someone taking Lovenox prevent a thrombosis will get Lovenox one time per day.  The dose is based on weight and lab testing.  Lab tests will tell healthcare providers if the Lovenox level is good for treatment.  Blood samples to check Lovenox levels are drawn four hours after the second dose of Lovenox.  After dosing is determined, levels will be checked monthly in the hematology clinic to make sure they are still good for treatment.  This level should always be drawn four hours after the injection of Lovenox.  This medication needs to be given on a regular schedule. The length of time for treatment depends how many blood clots there are and where in the body the blood clot(s) are at.

Side Effects

  • Bleeding
  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

 

Considerations

To help decrease bruising, apply pressure at the site two minutes after injection.

Lovenox increases the risk for bleeding. Due to this, it is important to discuss the following treatments with a hematology provider before they take place so excessive bleeding can be prevented:

  • Shots into the muscle
  • All surgeries
  • Dental work that is more than a cleaning

 

Due to the increased risk for bleeding, the following medications should be avoided because they also increase the risk of bleeding

  • Aspirin
  • Aspirin-containing products
  • Ibuprofen
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

 

Due to the increased risk of bleeding, injuries to the head, neck, chest, belly or spine can be very serious, possibly life-threatening. If injuries to these areas occur, contact your hematology provider or go to the nearest emergency room.  Someone taking Lovenox should call the doctor or go to the emergency room if any of the following happen:

  • Nosebleed lasting longer than 15 minutes
  • Bleeding gums
  • Heavy periods
  • Urine that is red, orange or looks like Coca-cola
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Leg swelling or pain
  • If you throw up and it looks like coffee grounds
  • Bad headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Blood in poop
  • Numbness or weakness in one side
  • Trouble speaking

 

What if excessive bleeding occurs?

Excessive bleeding from taking Lovenox can be reversed with the drug protamine sulfate.  Increased bruising or bleeding should be reported to your prescribing provider.