What it is used for
- Preventing blood clots after surgery or during periods of reduced movement
- Treating blood clots in the legs (DVT) and lungs (PE)
- Helping manage some heart attacks and unstable angina
- Preventing clots in some people during pregnancy under specialist care
How it works
Enoxaparin boosts the body's natural clot-blocking system, mainly by inhibiting factor Xa. This makes the blood less likely to form clots and is given by injection so it acts quickly and predictably.
How it is taken
Supplied as a liquid in pre-filled syringes for injection under the skin (usually into the tummy area); in hospital it may be given into a vein. People who self-inject are shown the technique by a nurse or pharmacist. Use it exactly as directed and rotate injection sites; never reuse or share syringes and dispose of them in a sharps bin.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Bruising, redness or mild pain at the injection site
- Easy bruising elsewhere
- Minor bleeding such as nosebleeds
- Mild tummy upset
Serious effects — get help
- Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, black/tarry stools, blood in urine, vomiting or coughing up blood - seek urgent care
- Sudden severe headache, weakness or confusion (possible brain bleed) - emergency
- A sudden drop in platelets with new clots (a rare heparin reaction) - report new swelling, pain or breathlessness
- Severe allergic reaction: facial or throat swelling, trouble breathing
- Signs of bleeding around the spine after spinal procedures: back pain, leg weakness or numbness, bladder problems - emergency
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Other blood thinners and antiplatelets including aspirin and clopidogrel
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs)
- Certain medicines that affect potassium levels
- Spinal or epidural procedures (timing must be carefully managed)
Who should take care
- Tell your clinician about any kidney problems, recent surgery, stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders
- Report any previous reaction to heparin
- Tell any doctor or dentist you are using it before procedures, and any anaesthetist before spinal/epidural injections
- Used in pregnancy only under specialist guidance - tell your clinician if pregnant
- Learn correct injection and sharps-disposal technique from a professional