Pharmacy & Therapeutics - September 2008 - (Page CB9)

Lovenox prefilled syringes and graduated prefilled syringes are available with a system that shields the needle after injection. 1. Remove the needle shield by pulling it straight off the syringe (see Figure A). If adjusting the dose is required, the dose adjustment must be done prior to injecting the prescribed dose to the patient. Figure A 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Lovenox is available in two concentrations: 3.1 100 mg per mL -Prefilled Syringes 30 mg / 0.3 mL, 40 mg / 0.4 mL -Graduated Prefilled Syringes 60 mg / 0.6 mL, 80 mg / 0.8 mL, 100 mg / 1 mL -Multiple-Dose Vials 300 mg / 3 mL 3.2 150 mg per mL 120 mg / 0.8 mL, 150 mg / 1 mL -Graduated Prefilled Syringes 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS • Active major bleeding. • Thrombocytopenia associated with a positive in vitro test for anti-platelet antibody in the presence of enoxaparin sodium. • Known hypersensitivity to enoxaparin sodium (e.g., pruritus, urticaria, anaphylactic/ anaphylactoid reactions) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. • Known hypersensitivity to heparin or pork products. • Known hypersensitivity to benzyl alcohol (which is in only the multi-dose formulation of Lovenox). 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 5.1 Increased Risk of Hemorrhage Cases of epidural or spinal hematomas have been reported with the associated use of Lovenox and spinal/epidural anesthesia or spinal puncture resulting in long-term or permanent paralysis. The risk of these events is higher with the use of post-operative indwelling epidural catheters or by the concomitant use of additional drugs affecting hemostasis such as NSAIDs [see boxed Warning, Adverse Reactions (6.2) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Lovenox should be used with extreme caution in conditions with increased risk of hemorrhage, such as bacterial endocarditis, congenital or acquired bleeding disorders, active ulcerative and angiodysplastic gastrointestinal disease, hemorrhagic stroke, or shortly after brain, spinal, or ophthalmological surgery, or in patients treated concomitantly with platelet inhibitors. Major hemorrhages including retroperitoneal and intracranial bleeding have been reported. Some of these cases have been fatal. Bleeding can occur at any site during therapy with Lovenox. An unexplained fall in hematocrit or blood pressure should lead to a search for a bleeding site. 5.2 Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization Procedures To minimize the risk of bleeding following the vascular instrumentation during the treatment of unstable angina, non-Q-wave myocardial infarction and acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, adhere precisely to the intervals recommended between Lovenox doses. It is important to achieve hemostasis at the puncture site after PCI. In case a closure device is used, the sheath can be removed immediately. If a manual compression method is used, sheath should be removed 6 hours after the last IV/SC Lovenox. If the treatment with enoxaparin sodium is to be continued, the next scheduled dose should be given no sooner than 6 to 8 hours after sheath removal. The site of the procedure should be observed for signs of bleeding or hematoma formation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. 5.3 Use of Lovenox with Concomitant Medical Conditions Lovenox should be used with care in patients with a bleeding diathesis, uncontrolled arterial hypertension or a history of recent gastrointestinal ulceration, diabetic retinopathy, and hemorrhage. 5.4 History of Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia Lovenox should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of heparininduced thrombocytopenia. 5.5 Thrombocytopenia Thrombocytopenia can occur with the administration of Lovenox. Moderate thrombocytopenia (platelet counts between 100,000/mm3 and 50,000/mm3) occurred at a rate of 1.3% in patients given Lovenox, 1.2% in patients given heparin, and 0.7% in patients given placebo in clinical trials. Platelet counts less than 50,000/mm3 occurred at a rate of 0.1% in patients given Lovenox, in 0.2% of patients given heparin, and 0.4% of patients given placebo in the same trials. Thrombocytopenia of any degree should be monitored closely. If the platelet count falls below 100,000/mm3, Lovenox should be discontinued. Cases of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis have also been observed in clinical practice. Some of these cases were complicated by organ infarction, limb ischemia, or death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. 5.6 Interchangeability with Other Heparins Lovenox cannot be used interchangeably (unit for unit) with heparin or other low molecular weight heparins as they differ in manufacturing process, molecular weight distribution, anti-Xa and anti-IIa activities, units, and dosage. Each of these medicines has its own instructions for use. 5.7 Pregnant Women with Mechanical Prosthetic Heart Valves The use of Lovenox for thromboprophylaxis in pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves has not been adequately studied. In a clinical study of pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves given enoxaparin (1 mg/kg twice daily) to reduce the risk of thromboembolism, 2 of 8 women developed clots resulting in blockage of the valve and leading to maternal and fetal death. Although a causal relationship has not been established these deaths may have been due to therapeutic failure or inadequate anticoagulation. No patients in the heparin/warfarin group (0 of 4 women) died. There also have been isolated postmarketing reports of valve thrombosis in pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves while receiving enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis. Women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves may be at higher risk for thromboembolism during pregnancy, and, when pregnant, have a higher rate of fetal loss from stillbirth, spontaneous abortion and premature delivery. Therefore, frequent monitoring of peak and trough anti-Factor Xa levels, and adjusting of dosage may be needed [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. 3 2. Inject using standard technique, pushing the plunger to the bottom of the syringe (see Figure B). Figure B 3. Remove the syringe from the injection site keeping your finger on the plunger rod (see Figure C). Figure C 4. Orient the needle away from you and others, and activate the safety system by firmly pushing the plunger rod. The protective sleeve will automatically cover the needle and an audible “click” will be heard to confirm shield activation (see Figure D). Figure D 5. Immediately dispose of the syringe in the nearest sharps container (see Figure E). Figure E NOTE: • The safety system can only be activated once the syringe has been emptied. • Activation of the safety system must be done only after removing the needle from the patient’s skin. • Do not replace the needle shield after injection. • The safety system should not be sterilized. Activation of the safety system may cause minimal splatter of fluid. For optimal safety activate the system while orienting it downwards away from yourself and others. Intravenous (Bolus) Injection Technique: For intravenous injection, the multiple-dose vial should be used. Lovenox should be administered through an intravenous line. Lovenox should not be mixed or co-administered with other medications. To avoid the possible mixture of Lovenox with other drugs, the intravenous access chosen should be flushed with a sufficient amount of saline or dextrose solution prior to and following the intravenous bolus administration of Lovenox to clear the port of drug. Lovenox may be safely administered with normal saline solution (0.9%) or 5% dextrose in water.

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Pharmacy & Therapeutics - September 2008 Contents Editorial Medication Errors Prescription: Washington New Drugs/Drug News/New Medical Devices Drug Forecast Effect of Prescription Copays on Adherence and Treatment Failure with Oral Antidiabetic Medications Vaccine Declinations Present New Challenges for Public Health Universal Health Care in America Digestive Disease Week and American Diabetes Association Pharmaceutical Approval Update

Pharmacy & Therapeutics - September 2008

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