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from eMedTV.comDrug Interactions
This medication may potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Drug Interactions With Enoxaparin).What If I Take an Overdose of Enoxaparin?
People who take too much of this medication may experience bleeding, including dangerous internal bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else may have overdosed on this medication.(Click Lovenox Overdose for more information.)
How Does It Work?
Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin medication. Like heparin, enoxaparin works to prevent the formation of clots (or the growth of existing clots) by binding to an enzyme in the body known as antithrombin III. In doing so, enoxaparin accelerates the activity of antithrombin III.
Because this specific enzyme inhibits two clotting factors (known as factor Xa and IIa), enoxaparin effectively inhibits these two clotting factors as well. This action helps to reduce clot formation.
Like other "blood thinners," enoxaparin does not break down clots. Instead, it slows down clot formation, giving the body a chance to break down the clots naturally.
- This medication is given as an injection just under the skin (as a subcutaneous injection) once or twice a day. In certain circumstances, it may also be administered intravenously (by IV).
- The injections are usually given in the fatty layer on the abdomen (the "stomach" area).
- If you are in a hospital, a healthcare provider will probably administer the injection. However, you may be sent home with this medication, in which case you or a caregiver must administer the injections.
- Make sure your healthcare provider shows you exactly how to inject enoxaparin (see How to Give Lovenox Injections for more details).
- Do not inject this medication into a muscle. It should be injected into the fat layer under the skin.
- For this drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. You may be increasing your risk for serious problems if you stop taking it too soon.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD