Clexane@#$

[incie]

Hello there,

Quick question. I'm currently on prac. (work exp) on a med/surg ward and consequently I have to give Clexane injections to post op pt's. I don't usually have a problem giving sc injections but Clexane seems to be a little painful for most of the pts so I was wondering if anyone had any tips to minimise pain and bruising at injection site.

Thanks

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

hi, incie!

the generic name of clexane is enoxaparin. for those of us in the u.s., we commonly see it ordered by it's brand name of lovenox. it is an anticoagulant given subcutaneously to prevent deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli following surgery.

http://www.drugs.com/pdr/lovenox_injection.html - pdr (physician's desk reference) information on lovenox injection. the site does say that the drug can cause some irritation at the site of injection. it also gives these directions under "administration" and says the following "administration should be alternated between the left and right anterolateral and left and right posterolateral abdominal wall. the whole length of the needle should be introduced into a skin fold held between the thumb and forefinger; the skin fold should be held throughout the injection. to minimize bruising, do not rub the injection site after completion of the injection." it includes drawings of the injection procedure.

welcome to allnurses! :welcome: