Prescription medication · Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin
enoxaparin
Also sold as Lovenox. This medicine can prevent blood clots from forming after surgery or during illness when you are not moving around much.
- 55,714
- FDA reportsOften reported
- 3
- InteractionsFew interactions
- 4% less
- Generic vs brandModest savings
- 2
- Recall records
What the data shows
enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a prescription Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin, more reported than most tracked drugs (55,714 FDA reports), with a lower-cost generic available (4% less than brand).
Reporting volume reflects how widely a drug is used and studied, not how dangerous it is, a FAERS report documents a temporal association, never proof of cause.
enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a prescription Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin. This medicine can prevent blood clots from forming after surgery or during illness when you are not moving around much.
Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a type of blood thinner. It helps prevent and treat blood clots.
Verify with FDA → · CMS NADAC pricing →
Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Brand Price
$8.18/unit
Generic Price
$7.84/unit
Generic Savings
4%
Generic Available
Yes (9 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
This medicine can prevent blood clots from forming after surgery or during illness when you are not moving around much.
Common side effects
Bleeding, Low red blood cell count (anemia), Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
Key warnings
Enoxaparin can cause bleeding around your spine if you get an epidural or spinal tap.
The sections below are summarized in plain English from enoxaparin's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.
How It Works
Enoxaparin works by blocking certain proteins in your blood that help clots form. This helps to prevent new clots from forming and keeps existing clots from getting bigger. It makes your blood less likely to clot.
How to Take It
Enoxaparin is given as a shot under your skin. The dose and how often you get it depends on why you are taking it. Your doctor will tell you exactly how much to use and when. Follow their instructions carefully.
This is a plain-language summary of enoxaparin's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Enoxaparin may not be safe for your baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This is a plain-language summary of enoxaparin's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.
This is a plain-language summary of enoxaparin's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from heat and light, in the original packaging.
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 55,714 FDA adverse event reports.
Most-reported reactions
Adverse reactions in FAERS for enoxaparin, by number of reports
- Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath
2,369 reports
- Feeling sick to your stomach
Feeling sick to your stomach
2,353 reports
- Loose or watery stools
Loose or watery stools
2,244 reports
- Low red blood cell count
Low red blood cell count
2,190 reports
- Low platelet count
Low platelet count
2,066 reports
- Fever
Fever
2,056 reports
- Feeling tired
Feeling tired
1,965 reports
- Throwing up
Throwing up
1,856 reports
- Blood clot in the lungs
Blood clot in the lungs
1,780 reports
- Death
Death
1,747 reports
What this shows Bars show how often each reaction was reported, not how likely it is to happen, a report records a temporal association, never proof that the drug caused it.
Reports over time
Adverse-event reports filed for enoxaparin each year to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
Year-to-year volume tracks usage, prescribing, and scrutiny, not a change in per-patient risk. Source: FDA FAERS.
Where enoxaparin sits
enoxaparin has more FDA adverse-event reports than 75% of the drugs FAERS tracks. A high position reflects how widely a drug is used and watched, not how dangerous it is.
Percentile across all drugs PlainMeds tracks by FAERS report volume. The dot is enoxaparin; the line is the median (50th percentile).
FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis
Detailed analysis of 55,714 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2003–2025.
Total Reports
55,714
Reports Mentioning Death
8,748
15.7% of reports — not proof of cause
Hospitalization Reports
30,137
Top Indication
Product Used For Unknown Indication
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)
| # | Reaction | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DYSPNOEA | 2,372 |
| 2 | NAUSEA | 2,352 |
| 4 | DIARRHOEA | 2,244 |
| 5 | ANAEMIA | 2,189 |
| 6 | THROMBOCYTOPENIA | 2,065 |
| 7 | PYREXIA | 2,057 |
| 8 | FATIGUE | 1,964 |
| 9 | VOMITING | 1,856 |
| 10 | PULMONARY EMBOLISM | 1,780 |
| 11 | DEATH | 1,748 |
| 12 | PNEUMONIA | 1,660 |
| 13 | ASTHENIA | 1,609 |
| 14 | ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY | 1,563 |
| 15 | HYPOTENSION | 1,507 |
| 16 | PAIN | 1,505 |
Reactions in Death Reports
Reactions in Hospitalization Reports
Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation
Serious Warnings
Enoxaparin can cause bleeding around your spine if you get an epidural or spinal tap. This can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines that can increase bleeding, like NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) or aspirin. Your doctor will monitor you for signs of nerve problems.
Known Drug Interactions
7.4 Anticoagulants and NSAIDs/Aspirin Coadministration of enoxaparin, warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel and chronic NSAID use may increase the risk of bleeding [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
Mechanism: Both drugs are blood thinners that work in different ways to prevent clots. Taking them together makes your blood much thinner and increases your chance of dangerous bleeding.
What to do: Your doctor should monitor you closely for signs of bleeding if these drugs are used together.
These agents include medications such as: anticoagulants, platelet inhibitors including acetylsalicylic acid, salicylates, NSAIDs (including ketorolac tromethamine), dipyridamole, or sulfinpyrazone.
Mechanism: Both drugs affect how your blood clots, and taking them together increases your risk of serious bleeding.
What to do: Use this combination with caution and tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding.
These agents include medications such as: anticoagulants, platelet inhibitors including acetylsalicylic acid, salicylates, NSAIDs (including ketorolac tromethamine), dipyridamole, or sulfinpyrazone.
Mechanism: These medicines both work to prevent blood clots in different ways, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding when used together.
What to do: Watch for signs of bleeding and ensure your healthcare provider is aware you are taking both medications.
This is a plain-language summary of interactions documented in FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before combining medications.
Common Questions
What should I do if I have bleeding?
Can I take aspirin with enoxaparin?
How long will I need to take enoxaparin?
Will enoxaparin interact with other medications?
Can enoxaparin be given at home?
What are the symptoms of a blood clot?
Is it safe to get a vaccine while taking enoxaparin?
What tests will I need while taking enoxaparin?
Can I drink alcohol while taking enoxaparin?
What if I need surgery while taking enoxaparin?
What are the common side effects of enoxaparin?
Does enoxaparin interact with other medications?
What drug class is enoxaparin?
Is there a generic version of enoxaparin?
Is enoxaparin safe during pregnancy?
Has enoxaparin been recalled?
Active Recalls
Correct Labeled Product Mispack: Bags labeled for Enoxaparin Sodium Injection, 80 mg/0.8 mL, contained Enoxaparin Sodium Injection, 30 mg/0.3 mL
Cardinal Health Inc.
Labeling; Label Mixup; syringe barrels may containing markings for 150 mg/mL (corresponding to 120 mg/0.8mL strength) instead of 100 mg/mL markings (corresponding to 100 mg/mL strength)
Apotex Corp.
Related Medications in Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin
Other drugs grouped near enoxaparin - same-class peers and common alternatives.
apixaban
Eliquis
Apixaban (Eliquis) is a medicine that helps prevent blood clots.
Compare with enoxaparin →
aspirin
Bayer, Ecotrin
Aspirin is a common medicine used to relieve minor pain.
Compare with enoxaparin →
cilostazol
Pletal
Cilostazol is a medicine that helps improve walking distance in people with leg pain due to poor circulation.
Compare with enoxaparin →
clopidogrel
Plavix
Clopidogrel is a drug that helps to prevent blood clots.
Compare with enoxaparin →
dabigatran
Pradaxa
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is a drug that helps to prevent blood clots from forming.
Compare with enoxaparin →
Medication Guides
Understanding Drug Interactions
How CYP450 enzymes, inhibitors, and inducers affect your medications
Generic vs Brand Name Drugs
FDA requirements, cost savings, and when the difference matters
Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs
Why some drugs demand precise dosing and monitoring
Common Drug Interactions
Dangerous medication combinations and how to protect yourself
Save on enoxaparin
Compare prices and find discounts at pharmacies near you. Free coupons can save up to 80% on prescriptions.
Disclosure: This link may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. See our terms.
What the FDA Data Shows for enoxaparin
The FDA label for enoxaparin (sold under brand names such as Lovenox) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin class. This medicine can prevent blood clots from forming after surgery or during illness when you are not moving around much. Official labeling lists 12 commonly reported side effects, including Bleeding, Low red blood cell count (anemia), Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 55,714 voluntary reports. The database also lists 3 documented drug interactions derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated moderate severity. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $7.84 versus $8.18 for the brand - a 4% generic savings.
Report counts do not establish causation, a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history (currently 2 recall records on file), and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: June 21, 2024
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Data currency: FDA FAERS adverse-event reports through 2025, CMS NADAC acquisition-cost pricing effective December 2024, compiled and last refreshed May 2026. See our methodology for per-source dates and refresh cadence. Spot a figure that looks wrong? Report a correction.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book - approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed - NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) - post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm - standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files - federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database - current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages