Side effect of Clexane®
Synonyms
Enoxaparin, enoxaparin sodium, low molecular weight heparin, Lovenox®
Engl. = Enoxaparin sodium, low molecular weight heparins (LMWH)
The side effects of Clexane®
The most important side effects that can occur with Clexane® administration are bleeding. Since Clexane® has a blood-thinning effect and inhibits coagulation, the sources of bleeding that arise in the body are not or only insufficiently satisfied. After certain medical measures such as lumbar puncture (Removal of nerve water from the vertebral canal) or spinal anesthesia (pain relief through the spinal canal), such bleeding can also occur in the area of the spine and spinal cord, as a result of which a hematoma (bruise) develops. This is called a spinal hematoma due to its location. The proximity to the spinal cord can damage nerves, which can lead to paralysis, sensory disturbances and the like. Other side effects represent allergic reaction (allergy) on Clexane®, skin diseases, irritation or tissue destruction at the injection site (necrosis), hair loss or headache.Transaminases) and the potassium level (Hyperkalemia) climb. The platelets (Platelets) can either rise (thrombocytosis) or fall (thrombopenia) as part of a side effect of Clexane®.
Sweating as a side effect of Clexane
According to a survey by a health portal, an average of 3 out of 100 people complain of sweating during therapy with Clexane®. In most cases, (increased) sweating under the armpits and hands is reported. Other authors give different numbers or sweating is not always mentioned as a side effect. However, it cannot be ruled out that Clexane® can also have effects on vegetative processes in the body. Accordingly, the drug could also affect sweating.
Fatigue as a side effect of Clexane
Fatigue may occur during treatment with Clexane®. Some of those affected report it, especially at the beginning of therapy. Others report permanent tiredness since the therapy with Clexane®. This can lead to difficulty concentrating. If these hinder or endanger the activities of everyday life, it is essential to consult a doctor. However, it is questionable whether there is a direct connection to the treatment with Clexane® or whether this is triggered in combination with other factors. Individual advice from the attending physician is very advisable in these cases.
Nausea as a side effect of Clexane
Some people who have been treated with Clexane® report feeling sick. The extent to which this is directly related to the drug has not been fully clarified. The active ingredient can possibly have an influence on blood pressure. In some cases, this can cause symptoms such as nausea. In a consultation with the attending physician, possible causes for the nausea can be found out and appropriate relief can be provided.
Headache as a side effect of Clexane
In some cases, during the course of treatment with Clexane®, headaches of varying degrees can occur. Some people only report headache at the start of treatment. Others report persistent headaches. There may be a connection between changes in blood pressure values caused by the active ingredient and the headache. However, it cannot be ruled out that the cause of the headache is not due to Clexane®. Through a detailed questioning and analysis of the headache, the triggers can be identified. If necessary, the preparation must be changed.
HIT as a side effect of Clexane
In some cases, Clexane® can trigger what is known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). A distinction is made between 2 types.
Type 1 presents as mild thrombocytopenia. This means that the number of platelets called thrombocytes is reduced in the blood. The reason for this is that Clexane® temporarily promotes platelet aggregation. This happens in the first few days of treatment. Type 1 heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is usually harmless. It occurs in 5-10% of people who are treated with Clexane®. Treatment can often be continued.
Type 2 is rare but is more severe. Type 2 can cause severe thrombocytopenia. As a rule, this is triggered by so-called antibodies directed against the active substance. There are uncontrolled immune reactions. Type 2 HIT usually occurs between the 6th and 14th day of treatment. Among other things, life-threatening vascular occlusions and so-called thromboses, embolisms and skin necrosis (dead tissue) can develop. Treatment must be stopped immediately.
Read more on the subject at: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Skin changes as a side effect of Clexane
Inappropriate dosage or changes in the coagulation factors can lead to changes in the skin. Local irritation at the injection site can occur. Itching can also occur. In addition, red wheals, a so-called hives, can appear on the skin. The treatment with Clexane® can also lead to bleeding of the skin and mucous membranes and to bruising.
Liver side effects
Changes in the liver may show up in laboratory tests. The so-called liver enzymes, transaminases and LDH, have often increased. Clinically, these values can sometimes show up in an increased susceptibility to infection. Often these values and changes are reversible. Regular checks are recommended.
Read more on the subject at: Increased liver values
Side effects with alcohol
Clexane® works by preventing blood clotting. According to this, the drug in some way thins the blood. Alcohol also has a blood thinning effect. If both are consumed at the same time, increased blood thinning can occur. This can increase the side effects of Clexane®. As a result, itching, skin changes, bleeding, fever, chills, allergic reactions and a drop in blood pressure up to shock can occur. It is therefore urgently advised not to consume alcohol during treatment with Clexane®.
Read more on the subject at: Clexane and alcohol - are they compatible?
Interactions
Clexane® interact with a number of other drugs. On the one hand, the Clexane® effect can be enhanced by certain substances, so that a increased tendency to bleed consists. On the other hand, the effect of Clexane® can be weakened, which means that less bleeding occurs due to less blood thinning.
Reinforced the Clexane® effect is achieved by drugs that also affect coagulation. These include, among others Acetylsalicylic acid (ASS, aspirin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, Fibrinolytics, Clopidogrel or some Cytostatics.
On the other hand, Clexane® are weakened by Antihistamines, digitalis, certain Antibiotics (Tetracyclines), nicotine and Ascorbic acid.
Contraindications
There are some Contraindications for administration of Clexane®. If there is such a contraindication, Clexane® must not be given. These include one Allergy to Clexane®, the occurrence of any bleeding in the past month as well stroke- or Cerebral hemorrhage event in the past six months. Furthermore, Clexane® is contraindicated if the patient suffers from a coagulation disorder or ulcers of the Stomach or Intestines because in these cases the risk of bleeding is increased.
Even with severe ones Liver or pancreatic disease just like Inflammation of the heart wall (Endocarditis) Clexane® must not be administered.
When prescribing coagulant tablets (oral anticoagulants) at the same time, increased caution is required when using Clexane®, as the risk of bleeding increases here too.
price
Clexane® is sold in the form of syringes.
Such a syringe with 20mg costs around 3.50 euros, with 40mg around 5.80 euros.
In bulk packs, the price is per piece.
