Clexane (Lovenox)

Clexane is used for prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery or abdominal surgery; in conjunction with warfarin for inpatient treatment of acute DVT with or without PE, or outpatient treatment of acute DVT without PE.

Therapeutic actions:
Causes higher anti-factor Xa to antithrombin activities (anti-factor IIa) ratio than heparin, which may prevent thrombosis.

What is it used for?:
Lovenox is indicated for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis, which may lead to pulmonary embolism:
• in patients undergoing abdominal surgery who are at risk for thromboembolic complications.
• in patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, during and following hospitalization.
• in patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.
• in medical patients who are at risk for thromboembolic complications due to severely restricted mobility during acute illness.

Contraindications and cautions:
• Hypersensitivity to enoxaparin, heparin, benzyl alcohol, or pork products;
• active major bleeding;
• thrombocytopenia associated with positive in vitro test for antiplatelet antibody in presence of enoxaparin.
Special indication: the medicine must not be used intramuscularly.

Side effects:
Blood coagulant system: in the first days of treatment the moderate asymptomatic thrombocytopenia is possible. If following the recommended dosage regimen г hemorrhagic complications develop extremely seldom.
Local reactions: the moderate reddening, tenderness; sometimes - thick phlogistic ganglions (resolve in some days, thus it is not required the terminations of treatment); in certain cases - necrosis in the place of introduction (in this case it is necessary to stop immediately introduction of substance).
Other: it is possible reversible increase of hepatic enzymes activity; rare - local or system allergic reactions.

Interactions: If using Clexane with peparations which influence hemostasis it is possible development of hemorrhagic complications. If uses of such combination cannot be avoided, enoxaparin has to be applyed under the careful control over parameters of blood coagulability. The preparation cannot be mixed with other solutions in one syringe.