Question

[carlapv]

The last time I was in the hospital with A-Fib I was given shots in the stomach. the nurse said it was some type of blood thinner. Does anyone know what that was?

thanks,
Carla

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Most like it was Lovenox. To learn more about this drug, do a search on VR.com and / or google. There have been some deaths in pregnant women in a South African study which 'may' not have properly accounted for the womens increasing weight, resulting in cessation of their study and a warning notice. Many (most?) American Cardiologists seem to think it is still a safe drug when used properly.

'AL'

 

[Ross]

Lovenox or Heparin, one or the other.

 

[Gnusgal]

Lovenox IS heaprin. Lovenox= "low molecular weight heparin." I've used it a couple of times so I could get sprung from the hospital sooner than later. I've had no problems (except those little bruises on my belly).

 

[MelissaM]

Fun story

Fun story

When in the hospital for endocarditis, the doc prescribed Levenox for me and the nurse not only came in with the shot, but she brought in the corresponding box and pharmacological info sheet. Not having much to do, I started to read the info sheet and was pretty shocked to read that it was contraindicated for patients with endocarditis! The next time the nurse came round I showed her the sheet and said that I would be refusing treatment, if it was all the same to her. She checked with the doc who did some research on his own and DC'd the Levenox.

Reason number 1,364 to be a proactive patient.

 

[tommy]

I'm on a Lovenox regimen right now. I give myself a shot in the stomach every 12 hours. Lovenox is a short-term blood thinner. I had hernia surgery yesterday. The doctors had me taper off of Coumadin in the days leading up to surgery and substitute with Lovenox. The last shot was 12 hours prior to surgery. Post surgery, I'm taking both until the INR reaches 2.5. Then I'll stop the Lovenox and continue with my regular Coumadin. Lovenox doesn't effect the INR. I'm due for a shot right now.........just call me "pin cushion". BTW, the surgery went real well.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Whoa Melissa. You go girl! That's some serious stuff. Almost as good as the doctor pumping me full of Ensure (loaded with vit K) and wondering why my INR was so low. Called her on it and she stated " had no idea it contained the Vit K"! Duh!!!! In my next life I am going to med school, LOL

Wonder if my effusion/tamponade was caused by using the Lovenox at home until my Coumadin levels came up? Very interesting. Did they elaborate on the subject after you called them on it?

My cadioligist has decided to reinnstate the use of Lovenox for valve patients. FDA has changed the ruling......deaming Lovenox safe to use, etc. Have been unable to locate the article. Just happy it's available again. Makes life a whole lot easier.