Synonyms
Enoxaparin, enoxaparin sodium, low molecular weight heparin, Lovenox® English = enoxaparin sodium, low molecular weight heparins (LMWH)
The side effects of Clexane® are
The main side effects that can occur with Clexane® administration are bleeding. Since Clexane® has a blood-thinning effect and inhibits coagulation, bleeding sources in the body are not or only insufficiently stopped. After certain medical measures such as lumbar puncture (removal of spinal fluid from the spinal canal) or spinal anaesthesia (pain relief via the spinal canal), such bleeding can also occur in the area of the spine and spinal cord, resulting in the development of a haematoma (bruise).
This is called a spinal haematoma due to its location. Due to the close proximity to the spinal cord, nerves can be damaged, resulting in paralysis, sensory disturbances and the like. Other side effects include an allergic reaction (allergy) to Clexane®, skin diseases, irritation or tissue destruction at the injection site (necrosis), hair loss or headaches.
In addition, liver values (transaminases) and potassium values (hyperkalemia) may increase. Blood platelets (thrombocytes) can also either rise (thrombocytosis) or fall (thrombocytopenia) as a result of a side effect of Clexane®. According to a survey by a health portal, on average 3 out of 100 people complain of sweating during therapy with Clexane®.
In most cases (increased) sweating under the armpits and on the hands is reported. Other authors give different figures or sweating is not always mentioned as a side effect. However, it is not excluded that Clexane® may also have an effect on vegetative processes in the body.
According to this, the drug could also influence the sweating behaviour. Fatigue may occur during treatment with Clexane®. Especially at the beginning of the therapy some patients report this.
Others report permanent fatigue since treatment with Clexane®. This can result in concentration problems. If this hinders or endangers the activities of daily 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 it is triggered in combination with other factors. In these cases individual consultation with the doctor treating the patient is highly advisable. Some people treated with Clexane® report nausea.
To what extent this is directly related to the medication has not been fully clarified. It is possible that the active substance may have an influence on blood pressure. In some cases this can cause symptoms such as nausea.
In a consultation with the treating physician, possible causes for the nausea can be identified and appropriate relief can be provided. In some cases headaches of varying severity may occur during treatment with Clexane®. Some people only report headaches at the beginning of treatment.
Others report persistent headaches. There may be a relationship between changes in blood pressure caused by the active ingredient and the headache. However, it cannot be excluded that the cause of the headache is not due to Clexane®.
By carefully questioning and analysing the headaches, the triggers can be identified. If necessary, the preparation must be changed. Clexane® can in some cases trigger a so-called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
There are 2 different types. Type 1 shows as mild thrombocytopenia. This means that the number of blood platelets, the so-called thrombocytes, is reduced in the blood.
The reason for this is that Clexane® temporarily promotes a concentration of platelets. This happens during the first days of treatment. Type 1 heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is usually harmless.
It occurs in 5-10% of people treated with Clexane®. The treatment can often be continued. Type 2 is rare but more severe.
Type 2 can lead to severe thrombocytopenia. This is usually triggered by so-called antibodies directed against the active substance. This leads to uncontrolled immune reactions.
HIT of type 2 usually develops 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 occur. The treatment must be stopped immediately.
An inappropriate dosage or change in the coagulation factors can lead to changes in the skin. Local irritation may occur at the injection site. Itching may also occur.
Red wheals on the skin, a so-called hives, can also appear. Bleeding of the skin and mucous membrane and bruising may also occur under the treatment of Clexane®. Changes in the liver may show up in the laboratory values.
Often the so-called liver enzymes, transaminases and LDH, have increased. Clinically, these values can sometimes show up in an increased susceptibility to infections. Often these values and changes are reversible.
Regular monitoring is recommended. Clexane® has the effect of inhibiting blood clotting. The drug therefore dilutes the blood to a certain extent.
Alcohol also has a blood-thinning effect. If both are consumed at the same time, this can lead to increased blood thinning. 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, even shock, can occur. It is therefore strongly advised not to drink alcohol during treatment with Clexane®.
