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Compare Lovenox vs. Arixtra

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) and fondaparinux (Arixtra) are both blood thinners used to prevent and treat blood clots, but they have some key differences. Enoxaparin is a type of low-molecular-weight heparin, while fondaparinux is a lab-made version of a part of heparin. If you have a heparin allergy, you can use fondaparinux but not enoxaparin. Enoxaparin is typically injected once or twice a day, whereas fondaparinux is usually injected once a day. Additionally, enoxaparin is safe for use during pregnancy except for those with prosthetic heart valves, while fondaparinux isn’t recommended for people who weigh less than 110 lbs or have severe kidney problems. Both medications can cause bleeding, but a serious bleed may be harder to manage with fondaparinux since it doesn’t have a specific antidote.

  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
    Fondaparinux (Arixtra)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
    Fondaparinux (Arixtra)

  • Summary of Lovenox vs. Arixtra

    Summary for Anticoagulant
    Prescription only

    Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a blood thinner that's used to treat and prevent blood clots and other clotting-related conditions. It's given as an injection under the skin in the stomach. The dosing for enoxaparin (Lovenox) depends mostly on your weight, but also on why you need the medication. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a preferred choice for pregnant women, but it might not be the best option if they have prosthetic (artificial) heart valves. Side effects aren't common, but can include bleeding or bruising at the injection site. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is available as a brand and generic medication.

    Summary for Anticoagulant
    Prescription only

    Fondaparinux (also known by its brand name, Arixtra) is an anticoagulant (or blood thinner) that's used to prevent and treat blood clots in adults. It stops proteins in your body that typically help clot blood from working. Fondaparinux (Arixtra) is given as an injection under the skin once per day. The dosage typically depends on why you need fondaparinux (Arixtra) and your body weight. The most common side effect is bleeding.

  • Indications of Lovenox vs. Arixtra

    Indications for
    •Prevention of blood clots in the arms or legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE) in:
    •People having stomach, hip, or knee surgery
    •People who aren't able to move well
    •People with a certain type of chest pain called unstable angina
    •Treatment of blood clots
    •Heart attack
    Indications for
    •Prevention of blood clots in the arms or legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) in people having stomach, hip, or knee surgery
    •Treatment of blood clots in the arms or legs (DVT) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE)

  • Pros and Cons of Lovenox vs. Arixtra

    Pros and Const for Anticoagulant
    Pros
    •Works well to treat several types of blood-clotting problems
    •Safe to use during pregnancy (except those with prosthetic heart valves)
    •Possible medication available that might help work as an antidote (reversal agent) to reverse effects
    •Blood tests are available to check how well the medication is working, but they're not required
    Cons
    •Only available as an injection, which can be uncomfortable
    •Might be difficult for some people to inject at home
    •Might not be a good option for people with kidney problems
    •Can cause a serious low platelet condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
    Pros and Const for Anticoagulant
    Pros
    •Only need to use once a day
    •Good option if you have a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or can't use heparin for any other reason
    •Comes in prepackaged syringes for easy administration
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Must inject into the skin, which can be uncomfortable
    •Can raise your risk for bleeding
    •Can't use to prevent clots if you weigh less than 110 lbs
    •Not a good option if you have severe kidney problems
    •No antidote (reversal agent) currently available, so serious bleeds from the medication might be harder to treat

  • Common Side Effects of Lovenox vs. Arixtra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal liver tests (6%)
    •Major bleeding (up to 4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding
    •Irritation around the injection site (e.g., bleeding, rash, itching)

  • Warnings of Lovenox vs. Arixtra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of bleeding around the spinal cord during other injections near the spine
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Low platelet counts and clotting problems
    •Higher risk of clots in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves
    •Risk of serious breathing problem in infants (gasping syndrome)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of bleeding around the spinal cord during other injections near the spine
    •General risk of bleeding
    •Low platelet counts

  • Prices with our coupons for Lovenox vs. Arixtra

    Learn more about Enoxaparin
    Learn more about Fondaparinux

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