Let’s talk about Enoxaparin also known as Lovenox. This is an injectable medication, as you can see here, this single dose syringe for a subcutaneous injection.
Remember the therapeutic class is what the drug does in the body. While the pharmacologic class is the chemical effect of the drug. The therapeutic class of Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant while the pharmacologic class is an antithrombotic. So Enoxaparin works by preventing thrombus formation by potentiating the inhibitory effect of antithrombin on factor 10a and thrombin. Enoxaparin is considered a low molecular weight heparin. And it’s indicated for the prevention of venous thromboembolism, for DVTs or deep vein thromboses, pulmonary embolism, and for the treatment of angina and myocardial infarction. So because Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant, it can come with a few side effects, including anemia, bleeding, and thrombocytopenia. And because of how Enoxaparin or Lovenox is administered, it can cause pain and bruising at the injection site. So let’s take a look at a few of the nursing considerations for Enoxaparin. Of course, because this medication is an anticoagulant you will want to monitor for any signs of bleeding. Interestingly Enoxaparin is contraindicated with a pork hypersensitivity as this is a porcine-derived molecule. Enoxaparin is administered subcutaneously with special attention to not eject air from the bubble in the syringe, do not aspirate when administering, or massage the site. Teach the patient to report a pork allergy, any bleeding disorders, bloody or black stools while on Enoxaparin, or any bruising or bleeding to the provider. There have been case reports where patients who are taking Enoxaparin who receive a spinal tap, a spinal catheter, or spinal anesthesia, they develop spinal and epidural hematomas. So Enoxaparin should be contraindicated in these patients. That’s it for Enoxaparin or Lovenox. Now go out and be your best self today. And as always happy nursing.