WHAT IS THIS MEDICINE?
Clexane 80mg is used therapeutically for the treatment of
DVT, PE, and acute coronary syndromes (NSTEMI/STEMI). The 80mg dose suits
patients weighing approximately 80kg on a 1mg/kg twice-daily regimen, or is
used in specific acute coronary syndrome protocols.
2. HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE
For DVT/PE: 80mg subcutaneously every 12 hours (in an 80kg
patient). For NSTEMI: 1mg/kg every 12 hours subcutaneously (max 100mg for first
two doses). For STEMI in patients under 75: a single 30mg IV bolus followed by
1mg/kg subcutaneously. Always follow the treating physician's specific
protocol.
3. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Common side effects include the following. Contact your
doctor or pharmacist if any side effect worries you.
|
Side Effect |
Frequency |
What To Do |
|
Bleeding (all types) |
Common |
Report any bleeding immediately |
|
Injection site haematoma |
Very common |
Rotate sites; ice pack for comfort |
|
Thrombocytopenia |
Uncommon |
Monitor platelets; watch for HIT |
|
Anaemia |
Common |
Monitor haemoglobin; report fatigue |
|
Elevated transaminases |
Common |
Reversible; liver enzymes monitored |
|
Spinal haematoma |
Rare |
If neuraxial anaesthesia used — serious risk |
|
Hypersensitivity reactions |
Rare |
Stop and seek urgent medical attention |
|
⚠ IMPORTANT WARNING |
|
Spinal or epidural haematoma can occur with
concurrent use of anticoagulants and neuraxial anaesthesia or spinal
puncture. This can result in long-term paralysis. Ensure your anaesthetist is
aware you are on Clexane before any procedure. |
4. WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE
Contraindicated in active haemorrhage, recent haemorrhagic
stroke, severe thrombocytopenia, known HIT, and allergy to enoxaparin or pork
products. Reduce dose or avoid in severe renal impairment (CrCl <30ml/min).
5. DRUG INTERACTIONS
Thrombolytics (streptokinase, alteplase) used in STEMI
increase bleeding risk when combined with enoxaparin — use within approved
STEMI protocols only. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (tirofiban,
eptifibatide) require careful dose management.
6. HOW TO STORE
Store below 25°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Single-use pre-filled syringes.
7. PRESCRIPTION STATUS
Prescription Only Medicine (POM). ACS dosing must be managed
in a hospital setting by a cardiologist or physician.
|
💚 PATIENT TIP |
|
If you are being treated for a heart attack
(ACS), enoxaparin injections may be given alongside antiplatelet drugs like
aspirin and clopidogrel. Report any signs of unusual bleeding to your cardiac
team promptly. |
8. PHARMACIST'S NOTE
Clarify the clinical indication before dispensing — the
dosing for DVT/PE, NSTEMI, and STEMI all differ. For STEMI in patients over 75,
the dose is adjusted down significantly. Anti-Xa monitoring is recommended in
patients with severe renal impairment.
9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
|
Q: Can I inject myself at
home with 80mg? A: Yes, if your doctor has arranged home
treatment for DVT. You will be trained by a nurse on the technique before
discharge. |
|
Q: Is Clexane safe with
aspirin for heart conditions? A: The combination is used routinely for ACS
but increases bleeding risk. Both are necessary for the acute treatment —
your cardiologist will manage this carefully. |
|
Q: What is anti-Xa
monitoring? A: It is a blood test that measures how well
enoxaparin is working. It is not routinely done, but may be used in pregnancy,
kidney disease, or extremes of weight. |
|
Q: Can I switch from
Clexane 80mg to a tablet anticoagulant? A: Yes — after the acute phase of DVT/PE
treatment, your doctor may transition you to an oral anticoagulant
(rivaroxaban, apixaban, or warfarin). |
|
Q: Why can I not take
Clexane by mouth? A: Enoxaparin is a large protein molecule that
is destroyed in the digestive system and cannot be absorbed orally — it must
be injected under the skin or into a vein. |