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Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Lovenox, Fragmin, Innobin, Arixtra
Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) is a class of anticoagulant medications. They are derived from standard heparin through a chemical process that reduces the size of the heparin molecules. This results in a more predictable anticoagulant effect, making LMWHs easier to dose and generally requiring less frequent laboratory monitoring than unfractionated heparin. They primarily act by inhibiting factor Xa.
Prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and unstable angina; also used during certain surgical procedures and in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
Spinal or epidural hematomas may occur with the concurrent use of LMWHs and spinal/epidural anesthesia or spinal puncture, resulting in long-term or permanent paralysis. Factors that can increase the risk of developing a spinal or epidural hematoma in these patients include the use of indwelling epidural catheters, concurrent use of other drugs that affect hemostasis such as NSAIDs, platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants, and traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures.
Outcome:
Increased risk of bleeding
Mechanism:
Both drugs inhibit platelet function.
Outcome:
Potential increased risk of bleeding with high doses of acetaminophen
Mechanism:
Acetaminophen may inhibit platelet function to some degree.
Outcome:
May decrease renal clearance of LMWH
Mechanism:
Competition for renal tubular secretion.
Most likely new formulation: Oral LMWH biosimilar with enhanced bioavailability (Year: 2028, 70% confidence)
Based on usage patterns and emerging biosimilars, the market for LMWHs is expected to grow at a rate of 5% annually over the next 5 years.
Anticoagulant
Glycosaminoglycan