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What does it do?

Enoxaparin is used to treat and prevent clots in your blood.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have bleeding, kidney, or stomach problems, have a history of high blood pressure or stroke, or have recently had surgery or any injuries.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How is it given?

Inject enoxaparin under the skin regularly as directed. Do not rub the injection site as this may worsen any bruising.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and inject your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, inject the missed dose as soon as possible. Do not inject two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with enoxaparin including:

  • anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren®), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®).
  • low-dose aspirin (e.g. Cartia®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Reduced number of blood cells that help your blood to clot - symptoms include: easy or unusual bruising or bleeding

Coughing or vomiting of blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Nose bleeds

Red or dark brown urine, red or black bowel motions

Chest pain, trouble breathing

Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing

Headache, dizziness, changes in vision or speech

Tell your doctor immediately

Pain, tenderness or redness at injection site

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Dispose of used syringes and needles safely. Discuss how to do this with your health professional.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed