Query on Lovenox Administration

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Nov 22, 2004

This may be a basic topic to all, but I find it very interesting being new into the practice of nursing..so im learning from you all.
I just cant help myself from saying this...keahi north hi, i think you should use the word "dear" in a more appropriate manner...
Keep up with posts like this...

I give Lovenox in the lateral aspects of the abdomen because that's what the insert says is the proper administration. I have seen fellow nurses giving it in the lower abdomen as well as in the back of the arms just like insulin. The PTT's seem to back up that it is working just as well either way. Main thing I suppose is that you get the air bubble to the top and don't rub after withdrawing the needle.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2004

Isnt it funny, a lot of diabetics cant handle getting a insulin injection in the abdomen, but people getting lovnox never question why its given in the abdominal fat?

Never seen it given anywhere but the abdominal fat, and if i did id probly have to say something. :)

akcarmean, LPN · Nov 23, 2004

I was on Lovenox during my last pregnancy and was instructed to give it on lateral aspects of abd. Best place for absorbtion. If I remember correctly I even my drug book stated so.

Angelia

leisa22 · Dec 1, 2004

I had to receive Lovenox before I became an RN so I had no clue as to where it should be given. One nurse gave it to me in the backs of my upper arms--this hurt like &^@#. I then asked to get it in my abdomen and it hurt much less. I had nurses give it to me in all areas of my abdomen.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 1, 2004

When giving meds - you should always follow the package instructions. If in doubt, contact your pharmacist. Lovenox is always given in the love handles.

kek · Dec 2, 2004

When giving meds - you should always follow the package instructions. If in doubt, contact your pharmacist. Lovenox is always given in the love handles.

Love handles? lateral abdomen? I thought the love handles were above your butt / more on your back. Lateral to the abdomen? or the lateral part of the abdomen? I'm getting a bit confused now sorry. Wish we could draw pictures. :rolleyes:

Trauma Columnist · Dec 2, 2004

It is given in the love handle area. In my hospital this is defined as lateral abdomen, slightly above the level of the umbilicus. I wanted to find a site with pictures, but couldn't so this is what the Lovenox site states:

Lovenox Injection is administered by SC injection. It must not be administered by intramuscular injection. Lovenox Injection is intended for use under the guidance of a physician. Patients may self-inject only if their physician determines that it is appropriate and with medical follow-up, as necessary. Proper training in subcutaneous injection technique (with or without the assistance of an injection device) should be provided.

Subcutaneous Injection Technique: Patients should be lying down and Lovenox Injection administered by deep SC injection. To avoid the loss of drug when using the 30 and 40 mg prefilled syringes, do not expel the air bubble from the syringe before the injection. 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.

And the URL is: http://www.aventis-us.com/PIs/lovenox_TXT.html#Dosage%20and%20Administration

obliviousRN · Dec 9, 2004

We give it in the lateral aspects of abd.

But......................that being said...........................

it's always interesting how we get in these debates that "you can ONLY use it this way or ONLY put it here" for different drugs/treatments and then in a year or two they have another use/site/route for the same thing that we could ONLY do one way.

Amazing, isn't it?

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · Dec 23, 2004

whewww! Glad that is settled. For a minute, I thought I was going to have to separate TammyWilson808 and New CCU RN. They're already fighting and we haven't even left the driveway yet!!! :icon_chee

JVanRN · Dec 23, 2004

Don't "burp" the air bubble out either....unless you want to cover your patient in bruises.

Toby's mum · Dec 24, 2004

Not to sure why anyone would stray from what is recommended as best practice..... if you already read the insert then obviously your question is answered isn't it?

Several posts mention to look at the Lovenox inserts--where do you get this? In our meds room, I've never seen the actual inserts. How you supposed to know? Thanks,

rstewart · Dec 24, 2004

I give Lovenox in the lateral aspects of the abdomen because that's what the insert says is the proper administration. I have seen fellow nurses giving it in the lower abdomen as well as in the back of the arms just like insulin. The PTT's seem to back up that it is working just as well either way.
Nope, the PTT will not "back up" any such conclusion. The low molecular weight heparins (of which Lovenox is one) cause little or no increase in PTT values. The anti-Xa level is obtained if you are attempting to determine how these are "working".