Two medicines, side by side
Enoxaparin vs heparin
Enoxaparin and heparin are both labeled for blood clots (DVT and PE). Drugs@FDA records approvals of enoxaparin since 1993 and of heparin since 1939. Pharmacies paid $6.45 per mL (Enoxaparin 100 mg/mL syringe) and $1.18 per mL (Heparin sodium 5,000 unit/mL vial) (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. In FDA's classes, enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin and heparin an unfractionated heparin.
Check it at the source: the enoxaparin FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 28, 2026); the heparin FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 28, 2025).
Highlights of the enoxaparin record
Enoxaparin (Lovenox) · label of May 28, 2026
SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMAS Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients who are anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) or heparinoids and are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures.
Used for
From the label: indicationsLovenox is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) indicated for: Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in abdominal surgery, hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, or medical patients with severely restricted mobility during acute illness ( 1.1 ) Inpatient treatment of acute DVT with or without pulmonary embolism ( 1.2 ) Outpatient treatment of acute DVT without pulmonary embolism ( 1.2 ) Prophylaxis […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- March 29, 1993
- Generic labelers
- 16 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $6.45 per mL
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 6
Highlights of the heparin record
Heparin · label of November 28, 2025
Used for
From the label: indicationsHeparin Sodium Injection is indicated for: Anticoagulant therapy in prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and its extension; Low-dose regimen for prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing major abdominothoracic surgery or who, for other reasons, are at risk of developing thromboembolic disease (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ); […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- February 9, 1939
- Generic labelers
- 18 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $1.18 per mL
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- In shortage
- Recalls
- 18
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Enoxaparin label of May 28, 2026, Heparin label of November 28, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do enoxaparin and heparin differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin and heparin an unfractionated heparin.
Only the enoxaparin label carries a boxed warning.
Generics: enoxaparin since 2010; heparin since 1979 (Drugs@FDA).
| Enoxaparin | Heparin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Angina, Heart attack and coronary artery disease, Blood clots (DVT and PE) | Blood clots (DVT and PE), Atrial fibrillation |
| Pharmacologic class | Low Molecular Weight Heparin | Anti-coagulant, Unfractionated Heparin |
| How it works (label) | Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin which has antithrombotic properties. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | Elimination half-life based on anti-Factor Xa activity was 4.5 hours after a single subcutaneous dose to about 7 hours after repeated dosing. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | March 29, 1993 | February 9, 1939 |
| First generic approved | July 23, 2010 | March 13, 1979 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 16 labelers | 18 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $6.45 per mL (Enoxaparin 100 mg/mL syringe) | $1.18 per mL (Heparin sodium 5,000 unit/mL vial) |
| 12-month price change | -26% | +9% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
| Recalls recorded | 6 | 18 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 57,205 | 13,673 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
Do their labels mention each other?
Enoxaparin label, contraindicationsCONTRAINDICATIONS Lovenox is contraindicated in patients with: Active major bleeding History of immune-mediated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) within the past 100 days or in the presence of circulating antibodies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Known hypersensitivity to enoxaparin sodium (e.g., pruritus, urticaria, anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Known …
Enoxaparin label, warnings and precautionsMonitor platelet count closely. ( 5.5 ) Interchangeability with other heparins: Do not exchange with heparin or other LMWHs. ( 5.6 ) Increased Risk of Thrombosis in Pregnant Women with Mechanical Prosthetic Heart Valves:
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to enoxaparin
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions