Heparin or lovenox

suebird3 · Nov 6, 2005

as i work ltc, the only route i give lovenox is abdominally. heparin is also used iv push.....hep. locks, anyone?!

just pulled out my mosby's....lovenox only given sc. do not interchange with heparin.

suebird :)

suzanne4, RN · Nov 6, 2005

Heparin is also given subq in the abdome, if it is used for prophylaxis like Lovenox. It can be given IV if it is given around the clock.

One thing that comes to mind, the higher levels of fat, therefore slower absorption rates into the system.

suebird3 · Nov 6, 2005

suzanne.....shoulda clarified myself better. sorry!

of course, i meant heparin can be given sc abdominally. :chuckle

suebird

heparin is also given subq in the abdome, if it is used for prophylaxis like lovenox. it can be given iv if it is given around the clock.
one thing that comes to mind, the higher levels of fat, therefore slower absorption rates into the system.

RNinRubySlippers, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2005

Reason it is given sc abdominally? B/C it is best absorbed there! as far as I know that is the reason. Remeber not to masage that injection site and it stings goin in! OUCHY!

Lisbeth · Nov 8, 2005

I've given heparin SQ in the anterior thigh also, when there were large abdominal dressings from surgery and I couldn't use the abdomen. I thought it could be injected in any subcutaneous fatty area. :confused:

janetrette · Nov 17, 2005

is it true that heparin and lovenox cannot be given together?

steelcityrn, RN · Nov 17, 2005

Seen A Few Cases Of High Risk Pt's On Both In The Hospital Post Hip Or Tka. Can Give It In The Love Handles Also.

hjmcenti · Dec 9, 2005

Heparin is ginen anywhere on the abd, but keep lovenox on the outside areas of the abd, "love handles" due to hematomas. Lovenox can be dangerous if given too close to the belly button?

Jerico, BSN, RN · Dec 9, 2005

Lovenox is given in the abdomen fatty tissue because it needs to be absorbed slowly over some time. Just like insulin being injected into fatty tissue. Fat tissue is less vascularity, so it won't go direct into blood vessels.

Remember when giving Lovenox you are to leave the bubble in the syringe (preloaded syringes) and inject the bubble last...so that ALL the Lovenox is injected.

Never heard of the "too close to the belly button" - but would not inject anything within an inch or so of that - no reason to as there is plenty of belly on most of us.:)