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Compare Lovenox vs. Plavix

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

Key takeaways

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) and heparin are both anticoagulants, or blood thinners, used to treat and prevent blood clots. They are similar in that they help prevent clots from getting bigger and reduce the risk of new clots forming. However, they differ in several ways. Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin, typically given as an injection under the skin once or twice a day, and is FDA-approved for conditions like heart attacks. It is available in both brand and generic forms. Heparin, on the other hand, is given either through the veins or under the skin and requires regular blood tests to monitor its effects. It is often used in hospital settings and is not available in branded forms. Both medications can cause side effects like bleeding and low platelet counts, but enoxaparin is generally preferred for pregnant women. Additionally, enoxaparin (Lovenox) has a longer-lasting effect compared to heparin, which works quickly but stays in your system for a shorter time.

  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
    Clopidogrel (Plavix)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
    Clopidogrel (Plavix)

  • Summary of Lovenox vs. Plavix

    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 P2Y12 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Clopidogrel (also known by its brand name, Plavix) is a medication that's used to prevent heart attack and stroke in certain people who are at higher risk for those events. It comes as a tablet taken by mouth once per day and is also available as a generic medication. Since it's a blood thinner, possible side effects include bleeding and bruising, especially if you take medications that interact with clopidogrel (Plavix) like certain antidepressants, anticoagulants, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

  • Indications of Lovenox vs. Plavix

    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

    For people with a history of a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease:

    •Heart attack prevention
    •Stroke prevention

  • Pros and Cons of Lovenox vs. Plavix

    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 P2Y12 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke
    •Only taken once a day by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Can cause major bleeding or bruising
    •Has many interactions with other medications
    •Might not work as well for people with East Asian descent

  • Common Side Effects of Lovenox vs. Plavix

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal liver tests (6%)
    •Major bleeding (up to 4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Minor bleeding (5%)
    •Major bleeding (4%)

  • Warnings of Lovenox vs. Plavix

    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
    •Clopidogrel (Plavix) not working as well
    •Bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack or stroke if stopped suddenly
    •Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Lovenox vs. Plavix

    Learn more about Enoxaparin
    Learn more about Clopidogrel

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