Enoxaparin Sodium (4 brand names, 1 dosage form, 3 routes)
Available dosage forms: INJECTABLE.
Routes of administration: SUBCUTANEOUS, INTRAVENOUS, SUBCUTANEOUS, INJECTION.
Brand Names
- ENOXAPARIN SODIUM
- ENOXAPARIN SODIUM (PRESERVATIVE FREE)
- LOVENOX
- LOVENOX (PRESERVATIVE FREE)
Related Health Topics
Boxed Warning
Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients who are anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) or heparinoids and are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include: Use of indwelling epidural catheters Concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, and other anticoagulants A history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures A history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery Optimal timing between the administration of Lovenox and neuraxial procedures is not known Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary. Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7)] .
Contraindications
Lovenox is contraindicated in patients with: Active major bleeding History of immune-mediated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) within the past 100 days or in the presence of circulating antibodies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Known hypersensitivity to enoxaparin sodium (e.g., pruritus, urticaria, anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)] Known hypersensitivity to heparin or pork products Known hypersensitivity to benzyl alcohol (which is in only the multiple-dose formulation of Lovenox) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are also discussed in other sections of the labeling: Spinal/epidural hematomas [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Increased Risk of Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
Drug Interactions
Whenever possible, agents which may enhance the risk of hemorrhage should be discontinued prior to initiation of Lovenox therapy. These agents include medications such as: anticoagulants, platelet inhibitors including acetylsalicylic acid, salicylates, NSAIDs (including ketorolac tromethamine), dipyridamole, or sulfinpyrazone. If coadministration is essential, conduct close clinical and laboratory monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Mechanism of Action
Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin which has antithrombotic properties.
Overdosage
Accidental overdosage following administration of Lovenox may lead to hemorrhagic complications. Injected Lovenox may be largely neutralized by the slow intravenous injection of protamine sulfate (1% solution). The dose of protamine sulfate should be equal to the dose of Lovenox injected: 1 mg protamine sulfate should be administered to neutralize 1 mg Lovenox, if Lovenox was administered in the previous 8 hours. An infusion of 0.5 mg protamine per 1 mg of Lovenox may be administered if Lovenox was administered greater than 8 hours previous to the protamine administration, or if it has been determined that a second dose of protamine is required. The second infusion of 0.5 mg protamine sulfate per 1 mg of Lovenox may be administered if the aPTT measured 2 to 4 hours after the first infusion remains prolonged. If at least 12 hours have elapsed since the last Lovenox injection, protamine administration may not be required; however, even with higher doses of protamine, the aPTT may remain more prolonged than following administration of heparin. In all cases, the anti-Factor Xa activity is never completely neutralized (maximum about 60%). Particular care should be taken to avoid overdosage with protamine sulfate. Administration of protamine sulfate can cause severe hypotensive and anaphylactoid reactions. Because fatal reactions, often resembling anaphylaxis, have been reported with protamine sulfate, it should be given only when resuscitation techniques and treatment of anaphylactic shock are readily available. For additional information consult the labeling of protamine sulfate injection products.