Article: Enoxaparin

Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis. It is marketed as Lovenox or Clexane.

Enoxaparin is used to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and is given as a subcutaneous injection (by a health care provider or the patient). Its use is evolving in acute coronary syndromes.

In the UK, enoxaparin is approved for five indications:

• The prophylaxis of thromboembolism disorders of venous origin, in particular those which may be associated with orthopaedic surgery.
• The prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in medical patients bedridden due to acute illness.
• The treatment of venous thromboembolism disease (VTED) presenting with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) or both.
• The treatment of unstable angina (UA) and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (NQMI), administered concurrently with aspirin.
• The prevention of thrombus formation in the extracorpreal circulation during haemodialysis.

Side effects

• Bleeding
• Thrombocytopenia, i.e. can be asssociated with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
• Pain, bruising or irritation; hard, inflamed nodules or an itchy red rash at the injection site
• Symptoms similar to those of hayfever
• Abdominal/chest pain
• Headache