Lovenox Question

heatherlynn321

Is anyone else on Lovenox? I was instructed by the nurse to pinch an inch on my stomach 2 inches from my belly button for my injections. This worked fine until now, at 18 weeks pregnant, it's really difficult to pinch any loose skin on my stomach. Are you guys finding new injection sites, or is it fine to not be able to pinch any skin for the shot on your stomach? I have 1 more week till I see the doctor again, but it's starting to become an issue now.

ForwardnBackward

*** Pharmacist lurker from October 17 ***

Can you get a pinch on your love handle area? It doesn't HAVE to be by your belly button. EVEN A pinch on your under thigh or under arm would be okay spots.

heatherlynn321

So I can go as far out as the side of my stomach and still be good? They said 2 inches from the belly button, so I was trying to stay in that area. I think I'll be able to get it on my side, thanks!

jutondreau

I'm on it--third pregnancy on it. I have to do the backs of my arms sometimes. I know what you mean about the stomach being difficult at this point. I have DH help too and that makes it easier

heatherlynn321

My husband did it further towards my love handles tonight, and it was much easier, thanks!

seasqrd

I'm on lovenox - my doctor said to use my upper thighs if necessary if I become too sore etc. on my stomach. I usually inject in the love handles, alternating sides, giving myself a quick jab once a day - and it helps with pain/soreness/ and bruising. Also ice pack before and after 5 - 10 minutes helps me (I'm very sensitive to shots). And waiting for the rubbing alcohol to dry a second or two before you jab. Good luck! 

BostonBaby1

I'm also on it again. I fint the stomach and thighs less comfortable than the back of the arms or love handles. You really can use any sub Q injection site.  Make sure that you rotate because you will end up causing scar tissue if you keep poking the exact same place again and again. Some women find the stomach to be the best place but it will get more difficult to inject as you get larger. I had an image I wanted to post but  my application is a little bit wacky. If you Google subcutaneous injection sites, you can find other safe areas. 

heatherlynn321

Super old post, but now that I'm 36 weeks, I'm switching to Hepparin. Has anyone else made the switch to Hepparin? I don't know why, but it kind of freaks me out a little bit. Is it any different than Lovenox besides the twice a day thing?

Sugargirl1019

Heparin has a shorter half-life and also has reversal agents. Lovenox lasts much longer and doesn't have any easy reversal agent. It is totally routine and normal to switch to heparin at this point I would be concerned if you didn't!

heatherlynn321

Thanks @Sugargirl1019 I know it's totally normal to switch at this point, it's a completely irrational fear that I have. Anytime I start a new medicine, I just have this giant fear that somehow I'm going to have a bad reaction to the medicine. I wasn't sure if Hepparin would hurt more than Lovenox or anything like that. 

Sugargirl1019

If anything, heparin doesn't burn like Lovenox does!

heatherlynn321

That's good to hear, thanks @Sugargirl1019!

heatherlynn321

I know this is an IVF photo, but after all of the Lovenox, heparin, RE blood tests, this is kind of how I feel.

BostonBaby1

How did the switch go? I find Heparin to be less painful but leaves much more bruising.

heatherlynn321

@BostonBaby1 That's exactly what I've noticed too.