Lovenox Injection Technique

Lovenox is a blood-thinning medication, also known as an anticoagulant, used to reduce the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a dangerous blood-clotting disorder that often occurs in the legs following injuries or surgery, and that may lead to blood clots in the lungs. This medication, generically known as enoxaparin, is typically given in injection form, according to Drugs.com.

Injecting Lovenox

• If you have been prescribed Lovenox and have elected to self-inject, first sit down in a comfortable chair with your prescribed capped syringe of medication, a cotton ball and some alcohol. Select your intended injection site. For Lovenox the recommended site is in the fatty part of the lower abdomen often called the "love handles." You should stay at least two inches away from the navel, according to The Knee and Shoulder Centers of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

  Thoroughly clean the chosen injection site with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol and allow it to air-dry. Uncap the Lovenox syringe carefully to avoid damaging or bending the needle. It is not necessary to flick the syringe or shoot out any air bubbles that may be present, as this medication will be injected into fatty tissue and not into the bloodstream.

  Pinch the injection site between the thumb and forefinger so that about an inch of fat is secured between the fingers. The center of this fat fold will be the target for injection. Hold the syringe like a dart and quickly insert the needle so that it is completely covered by the skin fold. Making this a quick, but not forceful, move will minimize the discomfort of the shot.

  Push the plunger in all the way to inject the medicine and withdraw the needle with your thumb still on the plunger.

Safety Device

• Lovenox syringes are equipped with a safety device that aids in the disposal of the used needles and prevents their reuse. After you have withdrawn the needle following the injection, point the syringe away from you and press the plunger with your thumb again. You will hear a "click" as the needle retracts into the syringe, according to The Knee and Shoulder Centers of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Properly dispose of the used syringe.

Precautions

• Lovenox should only be self-injected if your doctor has instructed you to do so. Sometimes Lovenox is given as an intravenous drug, and this procedure would not be appropriate for such a treatment. This medication should not be injected into a muscle, according to Drugs.com, so be certain that you are properly aware of the type of injection you are prescribed and that you follow the procedure carefully. If you are not comfortable with doing this procedure yourself, your doctor or a nurse may give the injection in their office.