Enoxaparin
Description
Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant medicine that is used to prevent blood clots in the legs. It is used in combination with warfarin to treat blood clots. This medicine works by inactivating the clotting factors that are responsible for blood clotting. It is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age.
Enoxaparin shows some common side effects like fever, stomach discomfort, nausea, rash and irritation at the injection site. If these side effects worsen or persist for a long time inform your doctor at the earliest. It may also cause an increase in your blood platelet count and an increase in your liver enzymes. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to this medicine. Stop using it and consult with your doctor immediately if you experience, swollen ankles/feet, black stools, blood in your urine or unusual bleeding and bruising.
Enoxaparin is administered in a clinical setting by specialized healthcare professionals. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of this medicine based on the severity of your medical condition. Enoxaparin gel can be applied over the skin surface as directed by your doctor. Enoxaparin tablets should be taken with food. Do not discontinue this treatment without your doctor's recommendation.
Enoxaparin may not be suitable for all people. It should be used with caution if you have liver problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or have had a recent stroke as it may worsen your condition. Let your doctor know if you have any problems related to your kidney as it may cause serious complications.
Enoxaparin interact with some medicines, so it is recommended that you inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding before receiving this medicine. Consult your doctor on priority if you notice bleeding from your gums or if your wounds bleed for longer than usual.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Enoxaparin
- Bleeding gums
- Increased menstrual flow
- Collection of blood under the skin
- Fever
- Bleeding at the injection site
- Irritability
- Convulsions
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Diarrhoea
Uses of Enoxaparin
What is it prescribed for?
- Prophylaxis for Deep vein thrombosis
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Prophylaxis for angina and myocardial infarction
- Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis after surgery
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Enoxaparin can be observed immediately after intravenous administration. On subcutaneous administration, the effect can be observed within 20-60 minutes.
- Duration of effectThe effect of Enoxaparin lasts for an average duration of 12 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies have been reported for Enoxaparin.
- Usage in pregnancy?Enoxaparin is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing this medicine to you.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Enoxaparin is not recommended for use in breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing this medicine to you.
Allergy
Avoid taking Enoxaparin if you are allergic to Enoxaparin and Heparin. Inform your doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black stools etc.
Bleeding disorder
Enoxaparin is not recommended if you have a history of acute or major bleeding or any bleeding disorders as it may worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Enoxaparin is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing this medicine to you.
Breast-feeding
Enoxaparin is not recommended for use in breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing this medicine to you.
General warnings
Bleeding
Enoxaparin is known to cause severe bleeding. It is not recommended if you have had gastrointestinal bleeding, head injury. It may also be unsafe if you are about to undergo surgery. Any symptoms of blood in the stools, vomiting blood, or blood in the urine should be reported to your doctor immediately. Your doctor may suggest blood tests for monitoring your prothrombin time (time required for clot formation) while receiving this medicine.
Liver disease
Enoxaparin is known to increase the levels of liver enzymes causing serious complications. Therefore, it should be used with caution if you have liver problems.
Kidney diseases
Enoxaparin may increase the risk of bleeding if you have kidney problems. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Percutaneous coronary revascularisation procedures
Enoxaparin should be used with caution to minimize the risk of bleeding if you have had undergone surgical procedures like percutaneous coronary revascularisation to treat unstable angina (a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart), myocardial infarction (a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle).
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Enoxaparin should be used with caution if you have a history of heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia. Your doctor may stop the treatment if your platelet levels are below one lakh cells/cubic mm.
Missed Dose
Injection: Enoxaparin is usually given by a qualified healthcare professional in the hospital setting, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Tablet: If you forget to take a dose of Enoxaparin, take it as soon as you remember. if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for a missed one.
Gel: Apply the missed dose of Enoxaparin as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Injection: Enoxaparin is given in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very less. However, your doctor will take measures if an overdose is suspected.
Gel: An overdose of Enoxaparin is not likely to cause severe symptoms unless it is applied for a prolonged period of time in large volumes. However, ingestion of this medicine may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
Tablet: Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose of Enoxaparin is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Escitalopram
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
Disease interactions
Bleeding disorders
Enoxaparin may increase the risk of bleeding if you have a genetic bleeding disorder called haemophilia or any unusual bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Liver disease
Enoxaparin may increase the risk of bleeding if you have liver problems. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Injection: Enoxaparin is given in the hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Do not try to self administer.
Tablet: Enoxaparin should be taken with food to avoid stomach irritation.
Gel: Apply a thin layer of Enoxaparin to the affected areas as instructed by the doctor. Always clean and dry the affected areas before application. Wash your hands before and after the application, unless hands are affected. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth or broken skin. Finish your prescribed period of treatment, even if the condition gets better.
Enoxaparin increases your risk of bleeding and delayed clotting. Be careful while shaving, and while using any sharp objects.
Inform your doctor if you see any bleeding from gums, wounds or nose that lasts longer than usual or if any blood appears in your urine, vomit or stool.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Enoxaparin works by interfering with the normal clotting process and decreasing the clot-forming ability of the blood.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Heparins
Schedule
Schedule H
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Clexane Multidose Vial - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 5 October 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Enoxaparin Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 5 October 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - ENOXAPARIN SODIUM injectionENOXAPARIN SODIUM injection. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 5 October 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 5 October 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 5 October 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 10 Nov 2021
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We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.