Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Enoxaparin sodium injection, USP is a sterile aqueous solution containing enoxaparin sodium USP, a low molecular weight heparin. The pH of the injection is 5.5 to 7.5. Enoxaparin sodium is obtained by alkaline depolymerization of heparin benzyl ester derived from porcine intestinal mucosa.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin which has antithrombotic properties. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics In humans, enoxaparin given at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg subcutaneously is characterized by a higher ratio of anti-Factor Xa to anti-Factor IIa activity (mean ±SD, 14.0±3.1) (based on areas under anti-Factor activity versus time curves) compared to the ratios observed for heparin (mean ±SD, 1.22±0.13). Increases of up to 1.8 times the control values were seen in the thrombin time (TT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Enoxaparin sodium injection is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) indicated for: Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in abdominal surgery, hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, or medical patients with severely restricted mobility during acute illness ( 1.1 ) Inpatient treatment of acute DVT with or without pulmonary embolism ( 1.2 ) Outpatient treatment of acute DVT without pulmonary embolism ( 1.2 ) Prophylaxis of ischemic complications of unstable angina and non−Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) ( 1.
Common Doses
- 40 mg
- 30 mg
- 1 mg
- 1.5 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION See full prescribing information for dosing and administration information. ( 2 ) 2.1 Pretreatment Evaluation Evaluate all patients for a bleeding disorder before starting enoxaparin sodium treatment, unless treatment is urgently needed. 2.2 Adult Dosage Abdominal Surgery The recommended dose of enoxaparin sodium is 40 mg by subcutaneous injection once a day (with the initial dose given 2 hours prior to surgery) in patients undergoing abdominal surgery who are at risk for thromboembolic complications.
Black Box Warning
WARNING: SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMAS Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients who are anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) or heparinoids and are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include: Use of indwelling epidural catheters Concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as non-steroidal...
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Enoxaparin sodium injection is contraindicated in patients with: • Active major bleeding • History of immune-mediated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) within the past 100 days or in the presence of circulating antibodies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Known hypersensitivity to enoxaparin sodium (e.g., pruritus, urticaria, anaphylactic/ anaphylactoid reactions) [see Adverse Reactions (6.
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are also discussed in other sections of the labeling: • Spinal/epidural hematomas [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Increased Risk of Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Most common adverse reactions (>1%) were bleeding, anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevation of serum aminotransferase, diarrhea, nausea, ecchymosis, fever, edema, peripheral edema, dyspnea, confusion, and injection site pain ( 6.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Whenever possible, agents which may enhance the risk of hemorrhage should be discontinued prior to initiation of enoxaparin sodium therapy. These agents include medications such as: anticoagulants, platelet inhibitors including acetylsalicylic acid, salicylates, NSAIDs (including ketorolac tromethamine), dipyridamole, or sulfinpyrazone. If coadministration is essential, conduct close clinical and laboratory monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .