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Thursday, January 15, 2015

LOVENOX SELF INJECTION INSTRUCTIONS

LOVENOX SELF INJECTION INSTRUCTIONS

If you are to give yourself an injection of lovenox, these instructions
may be helpful:



1.  Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

2.  Sit or lie in a comfortable position so you can see your abdomen.  It is
     fine to sit in front of a mirror.

3.  Choose an area on the right or left side of your abdomen, at least two
     inches from your belly button ( try your "love handles") or any scars or
     tattoos.

4.  Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let dry.

5.  Remove the needle cap by pulling it straight off the syringe (to
     minimize the risk of bending the needle.)  Do not remove the air
     bubble.

6.  Hold the syringe like a pencil in the hand with which you write.

7.  With your other hand, pinch an inch of the cleansed area to make a
     fold in the skin. With a quick motion, insert the full length of the
     needle straight down at a 90 degree angle into the fold of the skin.

8.  Press the plunger with your thumb slowly over 20 to 30 seconds until
     the syringe is empty.  The air bubble acts like a seal to minimize the
     risk of the medicine leaking.

9.  Leave the needle in the skin for about 10 seconds after the medicine
    is in the skin.  Pull the needle straight out of the skin at the same angle
    it was inserted, and release  the skin fold.

10.  Point the needle down and away from yourself and others, and push
      down on the plunger to activate the safety shield.

11.  Place the syringe in a sharps container or a heavy plastic container
      with a lid on it, preferably a bleach or detergent bottle.

12.  Document the location where the injection was given.  It is o.k. to
      use a calendar for this.

13.  When the plastic container gets full, add a little bleach to it (maybe
       a 1/4 cup) and tighten the lid.  Seal it with duct tape and dispose
      if it in the household trash.  If  you are using a sharps container,
      return it to the doctor's office.



There is so much information out there with photos and even you tube videos.


You are welcome to leave a comment if this was helpful to you.