Active Ingredient: Enoxaparin Sodium (40mg / 4000 Anti-Xa IU).
What it does: It is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) that acts as an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It selectively inhibits clotting factors (primarily Factor Xa) to prevent the formation and growth of harmful blood clots.
Prescribed for: Prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing orthopedic or abdominal surgery, or in bedridden medical patients with acute illnesses. It is also used to treat existing DVT or pulmonary embolism, and to manage unstable angina or non-Q-wave heart attacks (taken alongside aspirin).
Standard Regimen:
For clot prevention: Typically 1 pre-filled syringe (4000 Anti-Xa IU / 0.4 ml) injected subcutaneously once daily.
For treatment of active clots: The dosage is calculated based on body weight (typically 1 mg/kg or 100 Anti-Xa IU/kg) injected every 12 hours.
Important Rules: Administer strictly via deep subcutaneous (SC) injection (into the fat layer of the lower abdomen, at least 5 cm away from the belly button). Do not rub the site after injecting to avoid severe bruising.
Strict Warning: Do not inject this medicine into a muscle (intramuscularly).
Air Bubble Rule: Do not press the plunger to expel the air bubble in the syringe before injecting, as this can cause a loss of medication.
Common: Mild pain, redness, bruising, or minor bleeding at the injection site. Mild decrease in blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) and temporary elevations in liver enzymes.
Major Risks: Severe, uncontrolled bleeding.
Epidural/Spinal Warning: There is a critical risk of spinal blood clots (hematomas) if this medication is used while undergoing spinal punctures or epidural anesthesia, which can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis.
Contraindications: Do not use if you have an active major bleed, a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), or a known allergy to heparin/pork products.