Low molecular weight heparin

Low molecular weight heparin administered subcutaneously, is typically administered once a day and usually in the abdomen

The low molecular weight heparin (Clexane®, Hibor®, Fragmin®, Innohep®) administered subcutaneously, is typically administered once a day and usually in the abdomen.

If it cannot be in the abdomen (due to recent surgery or advanced pregnancy), it can be injected in the forearm or in the inner part of the thigh. It is the same, but it is normal that it hurts a little more.

The prick is not too bad because the needle and syringe are already pre-loaded and are small. The following instructions facilitate its application:

1. positioned in a supine position (lying face up)
2. take a fold of skin from the abdomen with one hand. If it is tight, the pain of the prick will be less
3. with the other hand, prick yourself with the needle in a vertical position, not slanted, and without having previously removed the existing air bubble. So the air is inside the needle and we make sure that we have introduced all of the drug
4. it is recommended to change the injecting area every day, since the prick is likely to cause small bruises

Unlike with antivitamin K drugs, you do not have to adjust: the doses of the medicine, it is a fixed dose that is administered once or twice a day, depending on the disease and the patient’s weight.

There is no specific time of the day that it is better than another, but it is important that the drug is administered at the same time every day. If you forget it one day, the best is to check with your doctor.