What Factors Affect Lovenox® Dosage?

Factors affecting a Lovenox® dosage include a patient's weight, kidney function status, reason for taking Lovenox® and current medical conditions. The medications a patient is taking and his response to anticoagulants also will affect Lovenox® dosage. Lovenox® is an anticoagulant, or blood-thinning medication, used to treat and prevent blood clots. It is also used in the prevention of heart attack and stroke.

The standard Lovenox® dosage to prevent blood clots in those having hip replacement surgery can vary. Typically, this Lovenox® dosage is 30 mg two times a day for one week. The most common Lovenox® dosage for the prevention of blood clots in those undergoing knee replacement procedures is also 30 mg two times daily for at least a week. For blood clot prevention in those who are very sick and immobile, the standard Lovenox® dosage is 40 mg daily for one to two weeks, depending upon the condition of the patient.

Since Lovenox® has the ability to substantially thin the blood, it can cause unusual bleeding or bruising and anemia. Other side effects associated with Lovenox® include bleeding at the injection site, fluid retention in the extremities, fever and nausea. Nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums and blood in the urine may also occur in response to Lovenox®. Although these conditions may be caused from other unrelated conditions, they need to be evaluated by a medical professional.

Serious side effects from Lovenox® include coughing up blood, black tarry stools, dizziness, and weakness. These symptoms may indicate internal bleeding and when they develop, a healthcare provider needs to be consulted for evaluation and treatment. When side effects persist, the Lovenox® dosage can be adjusted or the medicine discontinued. Anti-coagulant medications should never be discontinued by the patient as this can result in serious complications, such as a blood clot.

Lovenox® is thought to be safe for use during pregnancy. It is classified as a Category B medication, which are thought to pose no harm to fetuses. Studies have shown that Lovenox® does not increase fetal bleeding, nor does it appear to increase birth defect risks, even at substantial dosages. This medication is sometimes given to women to prevent miscarriages and is sometimes combined with low-dose aspirin.

People should not take over-the-counter products containing aspirin, ibuprofen, or naprosyn without first discussing it with their healthcare providers. These medications can intensify the anti-coagulant properties of Lovenox® and cause dangerous bleeding tendencies. Since many pain relievers contain these substances, the healthcare provider may recommend alternatives, including pain relievers containing acetaminophen, which does not appear to thin the blood.