What is LOVENOX?
Sometimes when your INR is not in a therapeutic range, your doctor will require you to take Lovenox shots. Lovenox or Enoxaparin is a medicine that is used to prevent and treat harmful blood clots. While your INR may not be in the therapeutic range, the Lovenox acts as a bridge to that range so you can live your normal life and keep your blood flowing smoothly.
It’s very important to note that you should only use Lovenox as instructed by your doctors. You should NOT take it if you weren’t specifically told to my a medical health professional.
When you are tasked with taking Lovenox shots, the best thing to do in my experience is to give them to yourself. Having someone else control the needle going into your skin was not a good experience for me, so I prefer to get it and get out as fast as possible, which is why I administer all of my own Lovenox injections now.
When I was first tasked with giving myself a Lovenox shot I was nervous about it. I had never been a fan of shots to begin with, so I was NOT keen on having to give myself a shot 2x a day. My instruction kit came with an instructional video that explained how to administer the shot, and all the do’s and don’t’s when doing it. Down below is a similar video:
ADMINISTERING THE SHOT
WebMD says:
This medication is given by injection under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day in the abdomen (at least 2 inches from your belly button). Do not inject into a muscle. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The dosage may also be based on your age and weight for some conditions. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. To minimize bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.