Lovenox, the brand product of enoxaparin, is a prescription medication classified as a blood thinner. It is used for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis, which is the formation of blood clots in a deep vein of the leg. Lovenox is also used to prevent the formation of blood clots following hip or knee replacement surgery, abdominal surgery and in patients who are bedridden or immobile during an illness that places them at a higher risk of developing blood clots. High-risk patients are those who are 40 years or older, are obese, will receive general anesthesia for more than 30 minutes, or have a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Lovenox, however, is not recommended is all patients; a physician can determine if this medication is a good choice.
Active Major Bleeding
Lovenox is contraindicated in patients who have a bleeding disorder or active major bleeding, according to RXList.com. The effects of Lovenox may cause the blood to become too thin and increase the risk of serious bleeding. Medications that may lead to an increase bleeding, such as aspirin, Zoloft and Plavix, should be used with caution. Patients should inform their physicians of their entire medical history, including the use of over-the-counter medications.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia occurs when the patient has a low blood platelet count. Platelets are blood cells that play a role in blood clotting. When their levels drop, the patient may be at risk of increased bleeding. About 2 percent of individuals may develop thrombocytopenia from Lovenox. The medication must be discontinued right away if platelets drop below 150,000 platelets per microliter and must not be administered again. If the patient has a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, she must be monitored more closely because there is a greater risk of developing thrombocytopenia with Lovenox.
Allergy
Lovenox is made from pork heparin; a patient with an allergy to pork or heparin should not use the medication. If a patient develops an allergic reaction while taking Lovenox, he should immediately discontinue the medication and receive medical attention. Allergic reactions may cause redness, itchiness or a skin rash, and in severe cases, cause difficulty breathing, chest pain and swelling of the lips or tongue. The "Drug Information Handbook" reports that allergic reactions are rare, occurring in less than 1 percent of individuals, but may be life threatening.
References
- RxList.com: Lovenox
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy; 2009
