Enoxaparin injectable solution is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Lovenox. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.
It’s available as a solution for injection in a prefilled syringe. It’s also available as a solution for injection in a vial, which is only given by a healthcare provider. Enoxaparin is a self-injectable drug.
Why it's used
Enoxaparin is used to thin your blood. It keeps your blood from forming clots. Blood clots are dangerous because they can lead to serious blockages in your blood vessels. This can cause a stroke or a heart attack.
This drug is used to prevent blood clots in people who are hospitalized. It may be used if you’re too sick to move around or if you’re having a heart attack.
It’s also used to prevent blood clots at home after you’ve had stomach surgery or a hip or knee replacement. This drug is also used to treat existing blood clots in the hospital or at home. A blood clot can be treated at home as long as it isn’t in your lungs.
This drug works fast, so it may be the first blood thinner your doctor gives you. You may need to take this drug until you can take oral blood thinners instead. Oral blood thinners take more time to work.
Enoxaparin may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely because you may need to start or stop this drug or another blood thinner at specific times.
How it works
Enoxaparin belongs to a class of drugs called anticoagulants. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Enoxaparin works by blocking a protein in your body that causes clotting. This keeps blood clots from forming. If you have a blood clot, it will stop it from getting worse while your body breaks down the clot on its own.