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Compare Lovenox vs. Coumadin

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

Key takeaways

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) are both anticoagulants, or blood thinners, used to prevent and treat blood clots. They are similar in that they help manage conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). However, they differ in several ways. Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin given as an injection, while warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist taken orally. Enoxaparin is often used for short-term treatment, especially in hospital settings, and is often preferred during pregnancy. Warfarin, on the other hand, is not safe during pregnancy and requires regular blood tests to monitor its effects. Enoxaparin does not require routine blood monitoring, but it can cause injection site reactions and is not ideal for those with kidney problems. Warfarin interacts with many foods and medications, requiring careful dietary management. Both medications can cause serious bleeding, and both have possible anidotes available for emergencies.

  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
    Warfarin (Coumadin)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
    Warfarin (Coumadin)

  • Summary of Lovenox vs. Coumadin

    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 Vitamin K antagonist
    Prescription only

    Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood thinner (anticoagulant). It's used to prevent and treat blood clots in adults and children with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Warfarin (Coumadin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Your provider will adjust the dose based on your international normalized ratio (INR). Taking too much warfarin (Coumadin) can lead to side effects like bruising and serious bleeding. If needed, your provider can give you an antidote to reverse the effects of warfarin (Coumadin).

  • Indications of Lovenox vs. Coumadin

    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 and treatment blood clots in the veins
    •Prevention and treatment blood clots linked to atrial fibrillation (AFib) or heart valve replacement
    •Prevention of more blood clots and to lower risk of death after a heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Lovenox vs. Coumadin

    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 Vitamin K antagonist
    Pros
    •Each strength of tablet is a unique color, making it easy to tell them apart
    •Only needs to be taken once a day
    •Has an antidote available in case of an emergency
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only prevents new blood clots from forming or getting bigger; it doesn't work on existing blood clots
    •Requires regular blood draws to check INR levels
    •Interacts with foods and many commonly-prescribed medications
    •Not safe to take during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Lovenox vs. Coumadin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal liver tests (6%)
    •Major bleeding (up to 4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding
    •Bruising

  • Warnings of Lovenox vs. Coumadin

    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
    •Severe or life-threatening bleeding
    •Risk of blood clots from stopping too early
    •Risk of fat-containing clots
    •Calcium build-up in blood vessels (calciphylaxis)
    •Skin or tissue death and risk of gangrene
    •Not for use during pregnancy

  • Prices with our coupons for Lovenox vs. Coumadin

    Learn more about Enoxaparin
    Learn more about Warfarin

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