Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is a medication that is injected once a day into the subcutaneous tissue (i.e., the fatty tissue just under the skin). It acts very quickly to stop clots from growing and helps the clot breakdown process.

Patients and/or family members will be taught how to inject the drug at home, using a preloaded medication syringe (examples are shown on the right). Please see the Low Molecular Weight Heparin Instructions for Self Injection brochure.

The dose of LMWH is based on patient weight. Usually, blood testing is not required for dose adjustment.

The calendar on the right side of the page can be used to plan and record LMWH injections.

Minor bruising may occur at the injection site. Any spontaneous bruises wider than 2 cm (the size of a quarter) should be reported to your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormal bleeding elsewhere in your body (e.g. in your urine or stool).

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