Talk to me about lovenox

hollymichael

Quick history: after failed OE IVF #1, I asked RE to run add'l testing. Found out I have mthfr & was borderline on two clotting tests. Upon retest, clotting issues were normal, so decided not to treat. After c/p with DE IVF, asked for those tests to be run one more time. Previous abnormal tests were normal, but now another clotting issue came back borderline abnormal.

So, for DE IVF #2, I will be on lovenox.  Ugh, more shots.

I am a little nervous about being on a blood thinner. What if I am in an accident or something? Is this a ridiculous concern?

Any side effects?

TIA!

STL34

My main side effect with lovenox is injection site bruising.  It isn't too bad until I start baby aspirin, though.  Will you be on baby aspirin, too?

If you are really concerned about being in an accident on blood thinners, you could ask to do heparin injections.  However, you have to do two injections a day with heparin.  However, it doesn't stay in your system as long (thus the two injections) and they have an antidote for it.

Good luck, hon!  I hope lovenox is the las piece of the puzzle for you!

hollymichael

STL34:

My main side effect with lovenox is injection site bruising.  It isn't too bad until I start baby aspirin, though.  Will you be on baby aspirin, too?

If you are really concerned about being in an accident on blood thinners, you could ask to do heparin injections.  However, you have to do two injections a day with heparin.  However, it doesn't stay in your system as long (thus the two injections) and they have an antidote for it.

Good luck, hon!  I hope lovenox is the las piece of the puzzle for you!

Thanks for the info! I will read up on the differences between heparin & lovenox and ask my RE.  I'm not sure if I will be on baby aspirin too. I will ask that too.

I hope it is the missing piece as well!

mikeandangie

I did Heparin and I am doing Lovenox now, the change mainly being due to insurance coverage. Frankly, I prefer Lovenox, it seems to sting less and, of course, it's only one injection. I only got 2 bruises in 4 weeks on it, it was far worse for me on Heparin.

Good luck, Holly, I hope this is it for you!

babylove0511

I am on lovenox. It's not too bad once you get used to it. It stings a ton and I bruise badly from it. OB told me after week 30 of pg I would switch to heparin in case there were birth complications. I would express your concerns and see what your OB thinks. Good luck!

cookie_queen

Holy hell. That shot sucks. It burns and leaves bruises. It is not fun. I'm so sorry you have to go on it.

mdluv21

I was on heparin.  I didn't not think the injections were too bad at all.  You use the small lupron needle.  Like STL said it is twice a day though and it does leave bruises but they do not hurt.  It has a shorter life than lovenox and more studies have been done it because it is an older drug and it is approved for use in babies/children.  My RE prefers to it lovenox.

I did have a SCH bleed in my 10th weekend of pregnancy and I was bleeding so much they decided to take me off and it was out of my system very quickly.  I do understand your concern about being in an accident, etc.  I had the same worries.

smeyer

I took Lovenox while cycling (1x/day) and during my pg (2x/day).  It's not the greatest shot - it stings and bruises - but you'll get good at them.  I usually did them in my stomach in really good light to help avoid any little blood vessels.  Also, after your shot, resist the urge to apply pressure.  Anytime I applied pressure, I ended up with a big ol' bruise.

I always used to tell DH that I was glad we lived in the midwest and not someplace where I'd have to wear a bathing suit.  Someone would have surely called the cops if they saw my belly!  :-P

ETA:  A few dumb things I forgot...

* I probably should have mentioned that I was on Lovenox b/c I'm homozygous for Factor V Leiden. 

* I never had any issues with bleeding.  Even if I cut myself shaving, I never seemed to bleed too much more than normal.  You'd just want to make sure someone was aware that you were on it if you had some type of surgery or something.

* I was scheduled to switch to Heparin at 33-34w (it leaves your system faster) but I ended up with sudden pre-e so my OB took my LOs prior to the switch.  If you'd stay on it thru your pg, make sure you ask about that.  

hollymichael

Thanks everyone!

This was all very helpful information.

theworms

the worst part - it burns like a motherfu*cker and leaves bruises

so my tips

ice area first (do shots at least 2 inches from beely button), inject lovenox very slowly (faster injection ='s more burning), leave area alone

i can't really answer about more bleeding i bled a LOT when i m/c but i also have tendency to bleed combined with my factor 2 (to be fair ai bled a lot when i m/c and wasn't on lovenox). i didn't notice more bleeding w/ acu needles or cuts

lovenox leaves your system in 24 hours wo try to do shots at same time

GL cutie

kme930

Holly, not sure if you remember me. I met you at a Chicago GTG back in the day at Quartino. Just wanted to say hi and that I hope this is it for you!

I took Lovenox until I had some issues with bleeding (turned out to be an SCH). I just wanted to reiterate, push the plunger slowly, leave it for a second, then once you pull the needle out, do not touch the area AT ALL!! Touching it only ever meant more stinging, bruising and welts for me. But other than that, it's not too bad.

Good luck! 

hollymichael

kme930:

Holly, not sure if you remember me. I met you at a Chicago GTG back in the day at Quartino. Just wanted to say hi and that I hope this is it for you!

I took Lovenox until I had some issues with bleeding (turned out to be an SCH). I just wanted to reiterate, push the plunger slowly, leave it for a second, then once you pull the needle out, do not touch the area AT ALL!! Touching it only ever meant more stinging, bruising and welts for me. But other than that, it's not too bad.

Good luck! 

Yes, I remember you! Thanks for the info. William is adorable!!!

ginger67

I've been on it FOREVER. The only time I was nervous about it was when I had the dvt and my non-NW hematologist had me on an enormous dose. My usual dose is 40 twice a day. No side effects. If I cut myself it does bleed more but not terribly. My MFM group says that the disorders really don't cause the MC's and the lovenox is to prevent stroke, clots in the mother. Who am I to disagree but I do, I felt much better being pregnant and on lovenox for the babys sake. GL! I cant wait for great news : )