Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 15, 2022.
Epidural or spinal hematomas, which may result in long-term or permanent paralysis, may occur in patients who are anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins or heparinoids and are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. Factors that can increase the risk of developing these hematomas include: use of indwelling epidural catheters, concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis such as NSAIDs, platelet inhibitors, or other anticoagulants, or history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture, spinal deformity, or spinal surgery. Optimal timing between the administration of enoxaparin sodium and neuraxial procedures is not known. Monitor patients frequently for neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary. Consider risks/benefits before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Lovenox
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Anticoagulant
Pharmacologic Class: Low Molecular Weight Heparin
Uses for enoxaparin
Enoxaparin injection is used to prevent deep venous thrombosis, a condition in which harmful blood clots form in the blood vessels of the legs. These blood clots can travel to the lungs and can become lodged in the blood vessels of the lungs, causing a condition called pulmonary embolism. Enoxaparin is used for several days after hip or knee replacement surgery, and in some cases following abdominal or stomach surgery, while you are unable to walk. It is during this time that blood clots are most likely to form. It is also used if you are unable to get out of bed because of a serious illness. In addition, enoxaparin is used to prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries of the heart during certain types of chest pain and heart attacks.
Enoxaparin injection is used together with warfarin to treat acute deep vein thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism. It is also used to treat certain types of acute heart attacks.
Enoxaparin is available only with your doctor's prescription.
