Clexane (Enoxaparin Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Clexane Used For?
Clexane contains enoxaparin sodium, an anticoagulant that belongs to a group of medicines called Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH). These medicines help prevent blood clots from getting bigger and stop new clots from forming.
Primary Uses
Clexane is used to prevent blood clots following hospital procedures or illness. It’s also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and heart problems including unstable angina and heart attack when taken with aspirin. Additionally, it prevents blood clots from forming in kidney dialysis machine tubes.
How It Works
As an anticoagulant, Clexane works by preventing existing blood clots from getting bigger and stopping new clots from forming in your blood vessels.
Good to know: Clexane is specifically designed to target clot formation while allowing your body’s natural healing processes to continue.
How to Take Clexane
Clexane is usually given by injection under the skin or into dialysis machine tubing. It can also be injected into a vein by a doctor or nurse in hospital settings.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide your exact dose. For preventing blood clots: moderate risk patients typically receive 20 mg once daily, high risk patients receive 40 mg once daily. For treating blood clots in legs: usual dose is 1 mg per kg of body weight twice daily or 1.5 mg per kg once daily. For dialysis patients: 1 mg per kg into dialysis tubing at session start. For heart attack patients: 30 mg into vein plus 1 mg per kg under skin, then 1 mg per kg twice daily. The injection site should be the stomach area, using a different spot each time.
Injection Technique
Gently fold the skin using thumb and finger, hold the fold during injection. Insert the whole needle length vertically into the skin fold and inject. Do not rub the injection site afterward. Each syringe is for single use only – use once and discard.
Important: Do not expel the air bubble from prefilled syringes. Do not inject into muscle – only under the skin or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain, bruising, or irritation at injection site
- Hard, inflamed nodules at injection site
- Itchy, red rash
- Bleeding at injection site
- Itchy skin
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing, symptoms of hay fever, feeling faint, itching hives, blisters (allergic reactions)
- Painful itchy red/purple rash at injection site
- Unusual bleeding including nosebleeds or prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Bruising more easily than normal
- Red or dark brown urine, red or black bowel motions
- Fine widespread rash, especially on mouth or eyes
- Sudden white or blue color in fingers or toes
- Pain in middle of back, numbness and weakness in legs (spinal/epidural related)
- Problems passing urine
- Nausea, diarrhea, fever
- Swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- Severe abdominal pain, chest pain, headache
- Numbness, coordination problems, dizziness, tiredness, light-headedness
- Blurred vision, confusion, difficulty speaking
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Clexane should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Clexane
Do not use if you’re allergic to enoxaparin sodium, heparin, or any heparin-derived medicines. Do not use if you have major bleeding disorders, certain types of brain injury including strokes, stomach or bowel problems like ulcers or ulcerative colitis, or bacterial infections in your heart.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: bleeding disorders or blood clotting problems, bacterial endocarditis, artificial heart valve (especially if pregnant), uncontrolled high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, eye disease related to diabetes, recent brain/spine/eye surgery, spinal deformity, if you’re underweight or overweight, or have high potassium levels.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Clexane is not recommended while breastfeeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Clexane.
Spinal/Epidural Procedures: Tell your doctor you’re using Clexane if you’re having spinal or epidural injection for anesthesia, as this requires special monitoring.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Clexane and affect how it works. Your doctor will monitor your potassium levels and blood clotting ability if you’re taking any interacting medicines.
Important: Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking, including those bought without prescription.
- Blood clot prevention/treatment medicines like clopidogrel or ticlopidine
- Medicines containing aspirin or salicylates
- Dextran 40 (used to treat shock)
- Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, diclofenac, or steroids like prednisolone
- Medicines that increase potassium levels (potassium salts, fluid tablets, some heart medicines)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Clexane affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Exercise caution when driving or using any machines or tools until you understand how Clexane affects you personally.
Storage
Store Clexane below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep syringes in their pack until ready to use. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve used too much Clexane or been given too much, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clexane begins working immediately after injection to prevent blood clots from forming or getting bigger. Your doctor will monitor your blood clotting ability during treatment.
Yes, Clexane may be given by your doctor, nurse, or you can learn to inject it yourself. It’s usually injected under the skin in the stomach area using a different injection site each time.
Contact your doctor for guidance if you miss a dose. Do not stop using Clexane or change the dosage without checking with your doctor first.
Some medicines may interfere with Clexane, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking before starting Clexane.
Yes, pain, bruising, or irritation at the injection site are common, less serious side effects. However, if you develop a painful itchy red/purple rash or unusual bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you’re using Clexane if you plan to have surgery. Special precautions may be needed, especially for spinal or epidural anesthesia.
Do not stop using Clexane without checking with your doctor first. Your doctor will determine the appropriate way to discontinue treatment based on your medical condition.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.