Patient Teaching Lovenox (Enoxaparin)

Patient Teaching for

Lovenox (Enoxaparin)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Background Info

Additional Tips

Injection Time

Remove the needle cap by pulling it straight off the syringe and discard it in a sharps collector.

With non-dominant hand, pinch an inch of the cleansed area to make a fold in the skin. Hold syringe with dominant hand like a pencil or dart. Next, insert the full length of the needle straight down – at a 90˚ angle – into the fold of skin.

Press the plunger with your thumb until the syringe is empty. Then pull the needle straight out and release the skin fold

Remember that pregnant and newly postpartum women are hypercoaguable, and therefore, at increased risk for thrombus formation

Indications For Lovenox:

Prophylaxis or treatment of DVT 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

Additional Indications

Prophylaxis of Ischemic Complications of Unstable Angina and Non-Q-wave Myocardial Infarction

Treatment of acute ST- segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)

• Patient should NOT expel the air bubble (unless the dosage needs to be adjusted)
• Patient should alternate administration sites
• The whole length of the needle should be introduced into a skin fold held between the thumb and forefinger; The skin fold should be held throughout the injection.
• To minimize bruising, do not rub the injection site after completion of the injection.
• The provider will determine the dosage and length of time for therapy
• If refresher is needed, watch the (13 minute) video with your patient and have them demonstrate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Reference

Step-by-Step Instructions

http://www.lovenox.com/hcp_default.aspx

What You Need to Do

Disposal

Point the needle down and away from yourself and others, and then push down on the plunger to activate the safety shield.

Place the used syringe in the sharps collector.

Preparation:

Direct the patient to gather supplies, wash and dry their hands before they begin

Have your patient sit or lie in a comfortable position and choose an area on the right or left side of the abdomen ("love handles"), at least 2 inches away from the belly button or any scars.

Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let dry.

• Request/obtain the (single use) "At Home with Lovenox" Kit from Stores (or ask the house supervisor)

• Ask pharmacy for the "practice" Lovenox medication kit

Remind patients to administer at the same time(s) every day!