An Overview of Uses for Enoxaparin
Enoxaparin (
Lovenox®) is an injectable anticoagulant medication, commonly known as a "blood thinner." It is approved to prevent and treat blood clots, and also to prevent certain complications after
heart attacks (or other similar heart-related events).
Enoxaparin for Blood Clots
Enoxaparin is approved to both treat and prevent blood clots deep in the veins of the body, known medically as
deep vein thrombosis (
DVT). DVT clots typically occur in the legs or hips. It can be especially dangerous if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, where it may cause a
pulmonary embolism (PE).
Specifically, enoxaparin is approved to prevent DVT blood clots in people who are:
- Undergoing abdominal (stomach) surgery and have a high risk for blood clots
- Undergoing hip replacement, both during and following hospitalization
- Undergoing knee replacement surgery
- Acutely ill who are at risk for clots due to immobility, such as people in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Enoxaparin is also approved to treat DVT after it has already happened. It can be used either in the hospital or outside of the hospital in people who have just had DVT. However, if the more serious complication of a pulmonary embolism has occurred, enoxaparin should be used only in the hospital.
HealthSavvy Sign In
|
