We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Effective Is Enoxaparin for DVT?

By S. Berger
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,590
References
Share

The drug enoxaparin is an anticoagulant, used to prevent or break up blood clots, particularly those that occur in blood vessels located deep within the body. This function makes it useful for treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Using enoxaparin for DVT helps to heal the inflamed, clotted veins in the legs and pelvis that characterize this medical condition.

Research has shown that for many people, enoxaparin for DVT can be effective in a variety of medical situations. Chemotherapy treatment for cancer can sometimes lead to DVT, and this condition can be quite harmful, especially in children, where severe cases of DVT can require an interruption of the dosing regimen of the anti-cancer drugs. Treatment with enoxaparin for DVT when thrombosis was first detected caused the blood clots to disappear within a month or two of treatment. In many cases, this rate of relief from blood clots is rapid enough to allow chemotherapy to be completed without any missed sessions or delays.

Another function of taking enoxaparin for DVT is to prevent blood clot formation, in a strategy known as prophylaxis. Following orthopedic surgery, patients typically are unable to walk for a period of time, which can lead to blood clot formation in the legs. Studies have found that giving patients a dose of this medication based on their weight one to two times on the day before surgery can help avoid blood clot formation. For the prophylactic treatment to achieve optimal effects, smaller doses of the anticoagulant are given for seven to ten days after the surgery, as well.

Patients taking enoxaparin for DVT should be aware of some side effects that may limit its use in some individuals. Hemorrhaging, or internal bleeding, can occasionally occur in a small percentage of patients taking this medication. The chance of this occurring seems to be higher in some surgeries, such as hip replacement, than in others, such as knee replacement. Doctors sometimes may utilize a different anticoagulant if they feel the patient has a high risk of hemorrhage or other severe side effects, such as heart failure or atrial fibrillation, a condition that involves abnormal heart activity.

Drug interactions may also determine whether enoxaparin for DVT is appropriate for some patients. Certain painkillers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with this medication. Platelet inhibitors, including acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin, may also cause harmful side effects. Doctors may decide to combine these medications, but close monitoring of the patient is often required to ensure their safety.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-effective-is-enoxaparin-for-dvt.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.