Enoxaparin has predictable absorption, bioavailability, and distribution therefore monitoring is not typically done. However, there are instances where monitoring may be beneficial for special populations, for example individuals with kidney insufficiency or those that are obese. In this case, anti-Xa units can be measured and dosing adjusted accordingly.
Reversal agent
is less effective at reversing enoxaparin compared to heparin, with a maximum neutralization of approximately 60% of the anti-factor Xa effect.
Pregnancy
Enoxaparin is a FDA pregnancy category B drug which means enoxaparin is not expected to cause harm to an unborn baby when used during pregnancy. This statement is based on reproductive studies involving pregnant rats and rabbits. No birth defects or toxic effects to an unborn fetus due to enoxaparin were observed during these animals studies. However a human's response to enoxaparin might be different than that of a small animal, therefore enoxaparin should be used during pregnancy only if there is a definite need.
Enoxaparin does not cross the placenta therefore it is unlikely an unborn baby would be exposed to it.
Some fetal deaths have been reported by women who used enoxaparin during pregnancy, but it is unclear if enoxaparin caused these deaths.
Pregnant woman on enoxaparin should be monitored on a regular basis for bleeding and/or "excessive anticoagulation" especially when the delivery date is approaching. The risk of hemorrhage is higher during delivery if the person is still using enoxaparin and this could endanger the life of the baby and/or the mother.
The multiple-dose vials of the brand name enoxaparin contain 15 mg benzyl alcohol per 1 mL as a preservative. Premature infants who have been given large amounts of benzyl alcohol have experienced "gasping syndrome".
Although enoxaparin is used to prevent blood clots it is necessary to remember that pregnancy alone can raise a woman's risk of clotting.
Side effects
Uncommon
In people with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction:
The FDA issued a revision to the boxed warning for enoxaparin in October 2013. The revision recommends exercising caution regarding when spinal catheters are placed and removed in persons taking enoxaparin for spinal puncture or neuroaxial anesthesia. It may be necessary to delay anticoagulant dosing in these persons in order to decrease the risk for spinal or epidural hematomas, which can manifest as permanent or long-term paralysis. Persons at risk for hematomas may present with indwelling epidural catheters, concurrent use of medications that worsen bleeding states such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or a past medical history of epidural or spinal punctures, spinal injury, or spinal deformations. The FDA recommends that at-risk persons be monitored for bleeding and neurological changes.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action
Enoxaparin binds to and potentiates antithrombin to form a complex that irreversibly inactivates clotting factor Xa. It has less activity against factor IIa compared to unfractionated heparin due to its low molecular weight.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Bioavailability ~ 100% Distribution: Volume of distribution = 4.3 liters Metabolism: Enoxaparin is metabolized in the liver into low molecular weight species by either or both desulfation and depolymerization. Elimination: A single dose of a subcutaneous injection of enoxaparin has an elimination half-life of 4.5 hours. Approximately 10–40% of the active and inactive fragments from a single dose are excreted by the kidneys. Dose adjustments based on kidney function are necessary in persons with reduced kidney function.
In September 2016, Inhixa and Thorinane were approved for use in the European Union. Thorinane was withdrawn from the market in October 2019. In March 2017, Enoxaparin BECAT, Laboratorios ROVI obtained marketing authorization in twenty six countries in Europe. The product is now available in Europe.
