- Class
- Anticoagulants
- Body system
- Blood and clotting
- Brand names
- Lovenox
- Antidote or reversal
- Protamine sulfate partially reverses it.
What is Enoxaparin used for?
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis after surgery or during immobility
- Treatment of DVT and pulmonary embolism
- Acute coronary syndrome
How Enoxaparin works
Low-molecular-weight heparin: mainly inhibits factor Xa; more predictable effect than heparin.
Common side effects
- Bleeding and bruising at the injection site
- Thrombocytopenia
- Anemia
Report right away
- Any unusual bleeding
- Back pain, numbness or leg weakness after spinal or epidural procedures (spinal hematoma)
Nursing considerations for Enoxaparin
- Inject deep subcutaneously into the abdomen (love handles), alternating sides, at least 2 inches from the umbilicus.
- Do not expel the air bubble from the prefilled syringe, do not aspirate, and do not rub the site.
- Monitor platelets, hemoglobin and kidney function; routine aPTT is not used (anti-Xa levels may be in some patients).
Patient teaching
- Learn the self-injection technique if going home on it.
- Report bleeding and avoid NSAIDs unless prescribed.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Anticoagulants practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Enoxaparin belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which lab value is used to monitor warfarin therapy?
Show answer
Answer C: INR Warfarin is monitored with the PT/INR; the usual target is 2 to 3.
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A patient on a heparin infusion has a platelet count that dropped by more than 50% from baseline. What does the nurse suspect?
Show answer
Answer D: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia A large platelet drop, typically 5 to 10 days after starting heparin, suggests heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which paradoxically causes clotting.
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Which antidote should be available for a patient receiving a heparin infusion?
Show answer
Answer C: Protamine sulfate Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin. Vitamin K reverses warfarin.
Frequently asked questions
What is Enoxaparin used for?
Prevention of deep vein thrombosis after surgery or during immobility; Treatment of DVT and pulmonary embolism; Acute coronary syndrome.
What drug class is Enoxaparin?
Enoxaparin belongs to the class anticoagulants. Low-molecular-weight heparin: mainly inhibits factor Xa; more predictable effect than heparin.
What are the nursing considerations for Enoxaparin?
Inject deep subcutaneously into the abdomen (love handles), alternating sides, at least 2 inches from the umbilicus. Do not expel the air bubble from the prefilled syringe, do not aspirate, and do not rub the site.
What should patients report while taking Enoxaparin?
any unusual bleeding; back pain, numbness or leg weakness after spinal or epidural procedures (spinal hematoma).
What is the antidote for Enoxaparin?
Protamine sulfate partially reverses it.