Enoxaparin

(ee noks a PA rin)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Children who have had recent spinal anesthesia, epidural, or spinal tap are more likely to have bleeding problems when started on this drug. This bleeding rarely happens, but may be very bad. Tell your child's doctor if your child has had any spinal care. Do not give any other blood-thinner drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to your child.
• Tell your child's doctor he/she uses this drug before he/she gets spinal anesthesia or a spinal treatment.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to pork products.
• Not if your child has an allergy to enoxaparin or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: Bleeding problems or low platelet count during past use.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form.

How is this drug given?

• Use as you have been told, even if your child is feeling better.
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss giving your child doses.
• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the right or left side of the belly.
• Your child's doctor will teach you how to give the shot.
• If using prefilled syringe, do not get rid of air bubble from syringe.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box and take the box back to your doctor when it is full.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It starts to work within 2 hours and lasts up to 12 hours.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Have your child wear disease medical alert ID (identification).
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child products that have aspirin, ibuprofen or like products, blood thinners (warfarin, ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
• Your child may bleed or clot more easily. Have him/her be more careful and avoid injury. Keep your child from rough-housing or playing contact sports.
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that your child is using this drug.
• Take care of your child's teeth. See a dentist often.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Bleeding problems.
• Irritation where the shot is given.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a fast heartbeat.
• If your child shows signs of very bad dizziness or passes out.
• If your child falls or hits his/her head. Talk with your child's doctor even if your child feels fine.
• If your child has a change in thinking clearly and with logic.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has a bad headache.
• If your child has weakness, numbness, or tingling.
• If your child has any bruising or bleeding.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

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