Injectable Clotting Disorder Treatments
Enoxaparin (Lovenox), Dalteparin (Fragmin)
The low molecular weight heparin category of blood thinners includes medicines such as enoxaparin and dalteparin. Enoxaparin was approved by the FDA in 1993 and dalteparin in 1994.
Low molecular weight heparin injectable anticoagulant blood thinners are used for both the treatment and prevention of clots. They are produced by chemically breaking down heparin into smaller-sized molecules. Unlike heparin, the effect of low molecular weight heparins does not always need to be monitored with blood tests.
Low molecular weight heparins prevent blood clots from forming by binding to a natural anticoagulant called antithrombin, which is then able to rapidly block the action of two of the 12 clot-promoting proteins in the blood.
Low molecular weight heparins are administered via injection under the skin once or twice per day. Laboratory monitoring by a blood test can measure the inhibitory activity of the clotting protein (called an anti-FXa assay). Low molecular weight heparins do not cross the placenta and are therefore safe to use during pregnancy for the prevention of clotting complications.
Since the effective blood-thinning action of low molecular weight heparins occurs within two to three doses, it is also used as a bridging therapy when a patient is started on an oral blood thinner such as warfarin.
Fondaparinux (Arixtra)
Fondaparinux is a synthetic blood thinner, acting similarly to low molecular weight heparin. It blocks the clotting activity of a blood clotting protein (factor X), and it is administered via an injection under the skin once daily.
Laboratory monitoring with a blood test can measure the inhibitory activity of the clotting protein. Fondaparinux can be used to prevent blood clots, treat new blood clots, and as bridging therapy for a patient starting warfarin. It can also be used as an alternative to warfarin in patients who have had a recurrent blood clot in spite of therapeutic warfarin.
Call the IHTC to learn more about the best clotting disorder treatment options for you or your child.