Lonopin pen injection is often administered during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures to women who are at a greater risk of developing blood clots that could harm the pregnancy, especially to women with a miscarriage history.
In this comprehensive article, we will be talking about lonopin injection, including when to take the medication, its uses during pregnancy, how to inject it, when to stop the medication during pregnancy, its side effects, and how it is different from another commonly prescribed medication, Ecosprin.
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What is Lonopin Pen Injection?
Belonging to a class of medications called low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), Lonopin otherwise called Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant that intends to stop blood from becoming thick and forming clots in patients.
The medication does not only treat the existing blood clots, but also ensures the prevention of any new clots. Enoxaparin in the medication blocks certain proteins that are responsible for blood clotting and helps the blood to flow throughout the body without hindrance.
Lonopin pen injection is more commonly prescribed to women who pose higher chances of developing blood clots during and/or after pregnancy. However, the medication is also prescribed to patients who have clots in the lungs, blood vessels, brain, or heart. Doctors also often prescribe lonopin to patients after certain surgeries.
Lonopin and Ecosprin
Lonopin is an anticoagulant medication that is given to women at a greater risk of developing blood clots during IVF procedures. But, the medication is in most cases prescribed along with Ecosprin that contains aspirin, an over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for relieving pain, fever, swelling, and blood clots.
Though both the medications are used in cases of pregnancies to reduce the risk of blood clotting and improve the existing clots, the mechanism of both the medicines are different. While Lonopin is a low-molecular-weight heparin that prevents blood clotting by blocking certain proteins that trigger the formatting of those clots, Ecosprin prevents the clotting by thinning the blood.
Depending on the woman’s condition, her risk of stomach bleeding, and medical history of blood clotting, the doctor will decide whether lonopin, ecosprin, or both of them together will be best for you.
Lonopin Pen Injection Uses in Pregnancy
It has already been mentioned in the very beginning that the lonopin pen injection is commonly prescribed to women during and after pregnancy. Especially as a part of the IVF procedure. Not to all women undergoing the procedure, both the ones who pose a high risk of developing blood clots that could possibly affect the implantation or pregnancy outcome.
Though anyone can develop blood clots as a result of a health condition or post-surgery, pregnant women are at a greater risk of developing blood clots, during and after pregnancy. The risk is almost 5 times more in pregnant women than non-pregnant women.
In pregnancy, the medication’s administration ensures that the woman does not develop clots that might cause the pregnancy to end up in a miscarriage or implantation failure. And also, to avoid the health consequences of blood clotting in the woman. Moreover, some doctors also say that lonopin administration also helps with healthy placenta growth during pregnancy.
How to Inject Lonopin Injection
However lonopin pen injection is not a self-administrable medication and usually not advised by doctors to be injected by the patients themselves, in some cases, doctors can allow self-administration. Generally, lonopin (enoxaparin) is administered by a certified healthcare provider or a nurse as scheduled.
Lonopin pen is typically injected under the skin, into the fatty tissue right under the skin. The injection is strictly asserted not to be injected into the muscle. Before injecting the medication, the doctor or nurse cleans the injection area with an alcohol swab, then uncaps the pen and angles it at 90-degree to the injection area skin. Next, the administrator pinches the skin around the injection area and inserts the injection into the skin at a 45-degree angle. Now, the medication is slowly injected into the skin and the needle is slowly removed. Finally, a cotton ball is applied on the injected area with little pressure to prevent bleeding.
How to Store Lonopin Injections
Lonopin pen injections are generally advised to be stored in a refrigerator and to maintain a temperature of 2-8 degree celsius (36-46 degree fahrenheit). The medicine should not be exposed to direct sunlight or if it freezes, it should immediately be discarded. If you have a multiple-dose vial, do not store it for more than a month. If you notice any damage to the syringe, particles or color abnormality, discard the medication immediately. Moreover, before injecting the medication, please allow 10-15 minutes for the medicine to get to room temperature and then use it.
When to Stop Lonopin Injections During Pregnancy?
Lonopin pen injection is generally advised to be taken until childbirth. If the medication is taken along with Ecosprin (aspirin), lonopin administration will continue till delivery as usual, however ecosprin administration will be discontinued after 34 weeks of pregnancy.
However, in some cases, vaginal bleeding may occur. In such cases, the patient should immediately talk to the doctor, stop lonopin administration, and take appropriate medical help to manage the adverse effect of the medication. Moreover, if the patient is scheduled for some sort of surgical procedure, the doctor will also suggest to stop lonopin’s administration.
Common Lonopin Injection Side Effects
Like every medication, lonopin pen can also provoke some side effects. Most of these side effects go away on their own and would not necessarily require medical help. However, if any of the following side effects persist for longer than a week, become severe or if you are concerned about them, you should talk to your doctor immediately.
- Rashes or irritation on the skin
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Urge of vomiting
- Bruising or bleeding on the injected area
- Low blood platelet count, and
- Weak bones
- Increased liver enzymes
The Bottom Line
Lonopin pen injection is an effective medicine for women who are at an escalated risk of developing blood clots during and after pregnancy. Since pregnant women are at almost 5 times more risk of developing clots than non-pregnant women, doctors use the medicine to prevent these clots and treat any pre-existing ones. In IVF pregnancy, women with a history of miscarriages are also given this medication. If your healthcare provider has prescribed you to take lonopin injections, do not worry, undergo the administration and communicate with your doctor regularly about how you are responding to the medicine and if you are having any side effects that may require medical help.