The Basics
What is Enoxaparin?
Used to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Brand names for Enoxaparin
Lovenox
How Enoxaparin is classified
Anticoagulants, Low Molecular Weight Heparin
Enoxaparin During Pregnancy
Enoxaparin pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Enoxaparin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Enoxaparin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Enoxaparin?
Limited information indicates that maternal enoxaparin in doses up to 40 mg daily do not to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Because its large molecular weight of 2000 to 8000 daltons, enoxaparin would not be expected to be excreted into breastmilk or to be absorbed from breastmilk by the infant. No special precautions are required.[1]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that maternal enoxaparin in doses up to 40 mg daily do not to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Because its large molecular weight of 2000 to 8000 daltons, enoxaparin would not be expected to be excreted into breastmilk or to be absorbed from breastmilk by the infant. No special precautions are required.[1]
Possible effects of Enoxaparin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Enoxaparin
Acenocoumarol, Dalteparin, Heparin, Warfarin.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Bates SM, Greer IA, Middeldorp S et al. VTE, thrombophilia, antithrombotic therapy, and pregnancy: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2012;141 (2 Suppl):e691S-736S. PMID: 22315276
2. Guillonneau M, de Crepy A, Aufrant C et al. [Breast-feeding is possible in case of maternal treatment with enoxaparin]. Arch Pediatr (Paris). 1996;3:513-4. PMID: 8763733
3. Ylikotila P, Ketola RA, Timonen S et al. Early pregnancy cerebral venous thrombosis and status epilepticus treated with levetiracetam and lacosamide throughout pregnancy. Reprod Toxicol. 2015;57:204-6. PMID: 26187779
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
