Clexane

Generic Name: Enoxaparin sodium
Product Name: Clexane

• Indication of Clexane
• Action of Clexane
• Dose advice of Clexane
• Schedule of Clexane
• Common side effects of Clexane
• Uncommon side effects of Clexane

Indication of Clexane:

Clexane is a medicine that is used to treat blood clots, or stop clots from forming inside the body. Clexane is commonly used to prevent clotting after an operation such as a hip replacement, or in certain heart conditions.

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Action of Clexane:

Clexane works by preventing certain molecules in the blood called clotting factors from working. Clotting factors are needed to from a clot (eg. on a cut or scratch). Sometimes, however, blood clots can form inside the body and travel to areas such as the lungs or brain, where they can from a block. When this happens it is difficult for blood to circulate properly, and the clot may cause severe illness.

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Dose advice of Clexane:

Clexane comes as an injection. Your doctor or nurse will normally give this to you. Clexane is usually injected under the skin of the abdominal (belly) area. In some cases your doctor may show you how to inject yourself with Clexane. You should not attempt to inject yourself with Clexane unless your doctor has shown you how to do this.

Clexane is sometimes given to women who are pregnant; your doctor will discuss this with you. Clexane is a Pregnancy Category C medicine. Clexane should not be used by breastfeeding women, or by children.

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Schedule of Clexane:

Schedule 4

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Common side effects of Clexane:

All medicines have side effects. Some side affects can be serious but most are mild. The following is a list of common side effects that occurred in more than 1% but less than 10% of people who took Clexane:

• Bruising or pain at the place Clexane was injected
• Bleeding more than normal

Talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects.

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Uncommon side effects of Clexane:

The following is a list of side effects that occurred in less than 1% of people who took Clexane. Do not be alarmed by this list. You may not experience any of these side effects.

• Changes to bone hardness with long term use
• Hair loss with long term use
• Allergic reaction

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, or any other unusual or abnormal symptoms that concern you.

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Reference:

1. Australian Medicines Handbook. Clexane .[Monograph online]AMH Pty Ltd 2007[cited December 13, 2007] http://www.amh.net.au
2. Clexane. MIMs Online. [Monograph online]MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited December 13, 2007] http://www.mims/com.au

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Diseases treated by Clexane:

• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
• Pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS, Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome)

For further information talk to your doctor.

Article Dates:

Modified: 30/1/2008

Reviewed: 8/1/2008

Created: 22/7/2003