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Lovenox vs. Aspirin

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

Key takeaways

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) and aspirin are both used to prevent blood clots, but they work in different ways and are used for different purposes. Enoxaparin is a prescription blood thinner given by injection and is used to treat and prevent blood clots in people undergoing surgery or those with certain heart conditions. It works by blocking proteins that help form clots. Aspirin, on the other hand, is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) taken orally, which can help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke when taken at low doses (81 mg). It also helps reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. Enoxaparin is the preferred choice for pregnant women, except those with prosthetic heart valves, whereas aspirin should be used cautiously during pregnancy as it can cause harm to unborn babies. Both medications can increase the risk of bleeding.

Enoxaparin

(Lovenox)

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Aspirin

 

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Summary for Lovenox

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.

Indications for Lovenox

Pros and Cons for Lovenox

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)

Common Side Effects for Lovenox

Warnings for Lovenox

  • 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)

Summary for Aspirin

Over-the-counter

Aspirin is an over-the-counter NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that helps lessens inflammation. It's used to help lower fevers and relieve pain from minor injuries in people 12 years of age and older. A lower dose of aspirin is also commonly used for heart protection in certain adults who are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This medication most often comes as pills that are taken by mouth. Aspirin side effects include heartburn and stomach upset.

Indications for Aspirin

  • Pain relief from minor aches and pains, such as from headaches, muscle pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, and arthritis
  • Fever
  • Heart protection (lower the risk for heart attack or stroke) in certain adults - low-dose aspirin (81 mg per day) only

Pros and Cons for Aspirin

Pros

  • Doesn't raise risk for heart attacks like other NSAIDs
  • Can help protect the heart in certain adults with or at risk for heart disease when taken at low doses (81 mg per day)
  • Available as a chewable tablet for people who have trouble swallowing pills
  • Available over the counter in a lower-cost, generic form

Cons

  • Has risk for stomach ulcers and bleeding
  • Might worsen asthma symptoms
  • Not recommended for relieving pain or breaking fevers for children 18 years or younger with the flu because of risk of Reye's syndrome
  • Can't be used in children 12 years or younger

Common Side Effects for Aspirin

  • Stomach irritation (e.g., heartburn, stomach upset)

Warnings for Aspirin

  • Stomach irritation, stomach bleeding, and stomach ulcers
  • Kidney problems
  • Reye's syndrome in children
  • Harm to an unborn baby
  • Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
  • Different aspirin strengths available

Prices with our coupons for Lovenox vs. Aspirin

Price Card Drug Icon
Enoxaparin12 syringes / 40mg/0.4ml
$46.93$90.50
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Price Card Drug Icon
Aspirin30 tablets / 81mg
$4.94$6.73
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