Lovenox Instructions

 Updated 3/2017-- all links (except to my own posts) removed as many are no longer active and it was easier than checking each one.

I have been using Lovenox more often so I decided to create a patient instruction sheet.  Feel free to use it for your patient (changing the contact information) or give me feedback to make it better for my patients. 

I plan to circle the dose and risk option for each patient and write in the days to be continued.   At the bottom of my page, I added a footer with two emails:  _____@medscape.com  (HIPPA secure, not pushed to iPhone) and ____@gmail.com (non-HIPPA secure, pushed to iPhone)

Lovenox Instructions
40 mg SC once daily / 30 mg SC once daily (try to give the same time each day)
Begin: 2 hours prior to surgery
Continue: __________ (7 to 10 days)

The package that comes with Lovenox should have good instructions on how to administer the subcutaneous (SC) injection, but if you need more information (ie video) you can find it here:
http://www.lovenox.com/hcp/dosing/lovenox-administration.aspx

You are welcome to bring your used sharps (the needles and syringes) to me for disposal.  Or for more  information on Sharps Medical Waste Disposal check out this site: http://www.uscsr.sanofi-aventis.us/Patient/disposal-of-Medical-Waste.aspx

The use of Lovenox is only part of the prevention of deep venous thrombosis.  During surgery you will have intermittent pneumatic compression devices placed on your legs.  After surgery you need to avoid dehydration and do the following:

    *Low Risk (less than 2 %)
      Ambulate three times daily for 5 minutes minimum each time
      Flex and extend ankles often
    *Moderate Risk (10-20%)
      1. Ambulate as above
      2. Flex and extend ankles often
      3. TED stockings
    *High Risk (20-40%)
      1. Same as moderate (1-3)
      2. Lovenox (enoxaparin sodium) SQ for 7-14 days
    *Highest Risk (40-80%)
      1. Same as high risk
      2. Lovenox, Fondaparinux SQ, Heparin or Warfarin (depends on procedure & patient history)

Remember the use of Lovenox increases your risk of bleeding and bruising, but this is easier to deal with and less life threatening than the complications due to deep venous thrombosis. 

You are welcome to email me for non-emergency concerns.  Please allow 24-48 hrs for the email to be answered.  If you need an answer sooner then call the office (******) or have me paged (*******).