Experiences with Lovenox?

chicagobride_07 · December 2014

Can any of you on Lovenox tell me about your experiences on this? It was recommended for me, but I was too scared to take it. My RE/OB and Dr. KK disagreed on my need for it, and I opted to go without this cycle. If I have no success, I will be adding it in for the next go around.

I guess the potential for pain scares me (I do PIO shots all the time, but these are in the stomach and I am reading about burning, etc.), along with the fact I'd be on a blood thinner. My OB's office made it sound like just that fact would make my pregnancy high risk. The nurse started talking about how even paper cuts would send me right to the ER, and I got nervous. Not sure if this is complete BS, wanted to get others' opinions.

I have borderline uterine blood flow and MTFHR; all of my other (very extensive) hematology bloodwork came back normal.

Mrs.McIrish · December 2014

I've been on it since my ET last March. I have 2 more shots left before Im done!! I really think it is what made the sticky difference for me(plus normal embryos). It really wasn't bad at ll. They are sub-q so easier than PIO. It burns in the beginning but then it stops or you just adjust to it. I did belly shots for a long time and then moved to "love handles". I had bruising in the beginning but it subsided after a while. The paper cut sending you to the ER is insane!! I had no issues with the blood thinner. I cut my legs with the razor shaving my legs etc. I didn't notice any extra bleeding. I would not do another ET without it. Who said you didn't need it? I just feel like it fixes issues that we may not even know about --my girls are the only cycle I used it with so I'm a big fan. My MFM said I didn't need it (2 copies of MtHFR) but "allowed" me to stay on it-- I was not stopping it and would have found a new doctor. I'm still on it 4 weeks post partum since I had a c/s.

just saw in your siggy that you are homozygous MThFr-- which one? I'm c677t and yes, use lovenox!!!!!!!!! Not even a question to me.

RunCC37 · December 2014

Sorry your nurse is dramatizing this for you! I've been on Lovenox since October, and will stay on it for the duration of my pregnancy (god willing).

The first few weeks, yes, it burned going in, but it wasn't too terrible. I definitely bruise more easily, and it takes a little longer for clots to form (ex: cut myself shaving, and had to put a bandaid on). But really, it is worth it to me knowing we're doing everything imaginable to help our chances.

My RE didn't really see the need to start Lovenox for this cycle (he's very conservative) but Dr. KK was all for it. Even still, my RE said that it wouldn't harm me, even if it didn't help. I checked with a trusted friend who is a doctor (different field, but still very helpful) and she reassured me that it was safe. We decided to give it a go, and haven't regretted it.

vibeee · December 2014

I have been on it for 3-4 of my pregnancies but it didn't make any difference. I have MTHFR C-677 mutation. After extensive blood work(complete blood profile with a pediatric onco-hematologist it was ruled that I don't need to take it.

I bleed really easily and I didn't really notice any difference while being on it. Also for the shots, I would take 10 Luvenox shots over a single PIO.

This is only my experience and who knows maybe it will help you get pregnant/keep the pregnancy.

Good luck with everything!

Km672 · December 2014

I used it for my last cycle and will use it again if Dr. KK recommends it. Yes, it burns, but it's really not a big deal. I never had any bleeding issues while on it. while the bleeding risk is very real and could potentially be serious, your nurse is obnoxious for being so dramatic and said that to you. Do you also have high nk cells? If so, are you treating it?

chicagobride_07 · December 2014

Yes, @mcirish, it is c677t. Thanks for sharing your experience.

chicagobride_07 · December 2014

@Km672‌, Dr KKs findings this far were borderline uterine blood flow (with very minimal blood flow to zone 3), elevated nk cells and the MTHFR mutation. She recommended a host of supplements, Metanx, baby aspirin, prednisone, and lovenox. I see her for my final consult this week and I am sure she will likely recommend IVIG. I did indeed do intralipids this cycle, through my RE (KK does not prescribe this). For what is is worth, my NK cells prior to treatment were around 25, and KK likes to see below 15. Cytokines were normal. I did have my NK cells drawn again after intralipids. Have not gotten those results yet, but am interested. I know you are waiting to see KK and for me, it's been enlightening. I love her, her NP, and medical assistant. I've had a lot of trouble getting ahold of their insurance person, though. The one downside. GL to you!

2MamazInSeattle · December 2014

I'll just echo what others said but honestly they were no big deal. Yes, they sting a little but if you've ever gotten salt in a paper cut, that hurt worse. I bruised where the shots were but again, NBD and I never noticed excess bleeding ir bruising from it and the bruises didn't actually hurt...they looked worse the they felt by far. I did the lowest dose (40mg?) which was more prophylactic level then "treatment" level.

The cycle I didn't use it I had a 16w miscarriage; the cycle I did use it I got take-home baby. Needless to say if we TTC again I will be on Lovenox (cheerfully!).

My MFMs did do full care for my pregnancy because I was on it, but that was not a bad thing imho. I loved that they take everything super seriously and I got extra monitoring. I wouldn't waste a cycle not taking it, as taking it (esp. the lower dose) is not a big deal and as @Mrs.McIrish said, could fix problems you don't you even have.

chicagobride_07 · December 2014

Thanks, all. if we cycle again, I'll use the lovenox. They recommended 40 mg for me.

Want a personalized experience?

Experiences with Lovenox?

Re: Experiences with Lovenox?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards