Injecting Lovenox for IVF treatment

[polarkksalsa]

Have you asked your doctor if it is ok to not pinch? I am going to start giving myself injections and I would just worry that it would go below my subcutaneous tissue... When I was in the hospital I HATED getting these shots!

[AvieMare]

Oh forgot to say thanks for your tips because they helped so many others!

[AvieMare]

Been on this drug 3x. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! Clean area. LEAVE AIR BUBBLE ALONE! Pinch small fold. Inject like dart at 90 degree angle. Slow or fast, bruise or no bruise; everyone finds what works best for them. Agonizing for some and no biggie for others. I have Fibromyalgia so my body bruises and hurts for hours afterwards. Slow injections work best for me. Tried the no- pinch and still bruise. Heating pad seemed to help. Website says ONLY in abdomen. Good luck everyone!

[aagil23]

You won't get the bruising if you stop pinching when you give yourself the injection

[no1btliz]

You are so brave i cry everytime i have to inject this awfull drug in my belly.

[YanaLovesUxoxo]

I Do mines in my inner thigh to cause less bruising & it dont hurt

[unknownart]

Thanks for sharing and making this video. It seems like you have discovered a good procedure for doing this. Excellent!

[michaeldolak]

Lovonox has a visible bubble in the syringe. KEEP THIS it was designed to be there.  you want to inject it so that the bubble stays at the top of the syringe by the plunger. The air bubble will help seal the site after you inject. It should go into you after all the medication. This will help prevent bleeding when you remove the syringe. Do not get rid of the bubble.

[michaeldolak]

There a re a few things wrong about this procedure. Lovonox is an anti-coagulant. A side effect is that you bleed easily from it. Some of the bruising comes from rubbing the area too much with the alcohol pad. You just need to wipe the area gently in a small circle. You do not want to rub as it will increase blood flow to the injection site and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

[lkj1128]

Hey everyone - I have been on twice-daily lovenox injections during pregnancy for the past 6 weeks... my doctors said I could use my stomach, upper thighs, or back (love handle/flank) areas to do the injections. I've tried everything, and the back is DEFINITELY the best. I lay on my side & get my husband to do the injections before he leaves for work & at night, and it's 10 times less painful than giving them myself in my stomach or legs. I do the slow injection method too - works great. Try it!

[bmba920]

There was a nurse in the hospital that gave me the injections and I never felt them. I asked him why and he said do you see how I rub the alcholol pad over and over the area again and again? He said that numbs the injection site and he is right. It helps alot!

[bmba920]

I have just injected my 19th Lovenox shot. I have to do this twice a day with no end in sight! I do have some brusing and it burns a little, but no major pain. I just wish I was done with this!

[foozybearz]

The worst is when you accidentally trigger the needle guard while the needle is still inside......OUCH @$#@#

[Epizia]

Thanks for posting. Im diabetic and have done stomach sub q shots for years but after three days on lovenox for dvt I'm a giant bruise. Needed these tips as I can't take my insulin in areas where I'm bruised!

[xdunlapx]

Lovenox shots don't hurt that bad for me. It burns a little but that's it. I guess I have a higher pain threshold than you lol

[strelladelmar]

I'm in my sixth week of pregnancy and have to take Lovenox. The anticipated pain would just make me brake down, seriously. I tried your method today and I am soooo happy to say that was the FIRST bareable shot EVER. Thank you Ms. Cavie. xoxo

[sakigt]

Hey girl. On FET #1 after 2 cycles and they put me on this OTHER drug. Just wanted to say without thinking I googled your video and did the injection for the first time following along. I pussed out and pinched a little skin but overall your directions were fabulous! Im also halfway through Pharmacy school so when I dispense Lovenox Ill be sure to spread your words of wisdom. Funny how a 4 minute clip can help so many!

[roman61]

I am sorry you had to go through so many IVF treatments. But I wanted to let you know this video was so helpful for me. I've never had to inject a drug before, and I'm very needle-phobic. But after watching your video, I knew what to do and what to expect from injecting Lovenox. Thank you.

[maggiesasweetie]

My god, Cavie! You're a saint!!

I had four or five injections during a recent hospital stay and all were terribly painful with serious bruising at the injection site. All the nurses used the stab and push method.

This time I did them myself before another procedure, and used the SLOW Cavie method. Six shots, Minimal discomfort, NO BRUISES at all!

Bless You!!!

[hollybee43]

Don't take this the wrong way, but why don't you just adopt? There are countless babies out there who need loving homes and who will never have them.

[parisblonde]

@hollybee43 If you are american adoption is quite easy . If you are Aussie you have no chance! Id love to adopt from overseas but our goverment are a bunch of asses!

[makunga21]

you forgot one VERY important step!! BEFORE you put on the injection you have to tap it to get the air bubbles to surface! Then you squirt out a little of the medicine to get those air bubbles out, and finally you give yourself the injection!!!!! If an air bubble gets in your blood stream IT CAN KILL YOU!!!

[Alex76182]

@makunga21 you dont do that with packed s.c. injections, just with i.v. first, because this amount of air couldnt kill a kid, (you need around 80-100ml to kill somebody) and besides that, because the amount of lovenox is 100% of what you should inject. it is not intended, that you squirt out even a litle of the medicine.

[speedstr21]

you take more then I do but I find it easier to pinch my fat and stick it in I dont have any marks an yes the shot isuppose to go in the fat how luck am I 38 more shots left yea they really dont hurt

[kmuf2]

As a former nurse, you do NOT aspirate on any sub-q blood thinners. After having 2 DVT's, I've had this many times. I've never given it that slow, & definately stay at least 1 inch from the belly button. Don't rub the site after you give the injection, it will irritate the skin & enable bruising.

[jbbennett08]

I had 2 PEs. I am the biggest baby when it comes to needles. That's why I was astonished that I could learn to do this. I found that following the directions on the Lovenox box makes it no big deal. It doesn't burn (make sure alcohol is really dry), it doesn't hurt, when I do it there is no bruising, no "electric" pain, and it's quick and easy. If I took that long to inject the Lovenox I might pass out. The key for me is quick! Actually I do it better than hosp. nurses who bruised me terribly.

[mosespope]

Thanks so very much for posting this; following your tips made a huge difference - I wish I had seen this on day 1!!

[221Ey]

i agree it wasn't really that bad i took it for 7 days for dvt and i agree with beechsundowner the worst part was the liquid going inside.......there was a bit of sting but that's all.....omg though the bruises on me are TERRIBLE!! tgif i'm done with this

[mspm2004]

Thanks so much for posting this video. Your 'slow' method is really working for me!

[BeechSundowner]

Geez, I had to self inject levonox for DVT and it really wasn't that bad. I wouldn't have been able to go as slow as you did. Worst part for me was about 15 seconds of feeling the liquid spread inside me. Needle technology is amazing where I really didn't feel the piercing through my skin.

[skipfromla]

I’ve been on and off Lovenox for 10 years. A nurse advised to pinch the belly fat and stick the needle in quickly, all at once at 90° to the skin. I find that injecting it quickly is the least painful method. I don’t usually feel the needle stick and injection stings a bit, about the same as snapping a rubber band against my skin. A few seconds of direct pressure on the injection site deals with any bleeding. Don’t rub the site after injection. It won't help & bruising will be worse

[skipfromla]

I’ve been on and off Lovenox for 10 years. A nurse advised to pinch the belly fat and stick the needle in quickly, all at once at 90° to the skin. I find that injecting it quickly is the least painful method. I don’t usually feel the needle stick and injection stings a bit, about the same as snapping a rubber band against my skin. A few seconds of direct pressure on the injection site deals with any bleeding. Don’t rub the site after injection. It won't help and the bruising will be worse.

[hellraysinangel]

I have to inject 1x daily for my pregnancy.... how fun!

[lilclipps]

When administring lovenox it should be at a 45 degree angle and any injection given in the sub q should be aspirated. Also one wipe with the alcohol pad and do not fan dry.

A.L RN BSN

[Laura21701]

@lilclipps Aspirate on sub q? I am a nursing student and we have been told umpteen times NOT to aspirate on sub q esp heparin and lovenox

[lilclipps]

@Laura21701 exactly your a student. your suppose to aspirate sub q to make sure your not in a vein and in the sub q layer. if your in a vein you will aspirate blood in which you must withdraw and readmit.

[bwomp313]

@lilclipps I was also told not to aspirate with subcu's especially heparin and lovenox as it can cause tissue damage

[Laura21701]

@bwomp313 yup you are right, and this is confirmed by my nursing instructor AND clinical instructor. You generally do NOT aspirate on sub q's at all, but esp not heparin, lovenox, or insulin. IM's of course, ALWAYS aspirate. The sub q tissue is not anywhere close to as vascular as the muscle tissue. On Lovenox too, you aren't supposed to get rid of the air bubble at the bottom of the syringe. That is per manufacturer specs.

[lilclipps]

@bwomp313 yes thats true which is why you would only aspirate, if using a insulin syringe about half a unit to one, since if you were in a vein the blood would be absorbed easily

[cheerscomments]

Very brave!

[chord972]

Thank you!

you have provided an important service, including emotional support for those who have to self inject!

[adiadv10]

CavieJasper, it was VERY thoughtful and kind of you to post this video. I've been giving my husband Lovenox injections twice a day starting 3 days ago, and while it's getting easier for me (I cried after administering the first injection), it's getting a lot more painful for him because the medicine burns so badly and his stomach is beginning to bruise. He has blood clots in his lungs due to intense chemo and this is the only thing keeping him from being hospitalized right now. Thank you!

[Goldenstateguy1]

this is not a crappy drug, go on coumadin, it is horrible but easy to take. Coumadin thins the blood but interacts with many other drugs and many foods, Lovanox or enoxaparin has little side effects and does not interact with foods. you need to pinch the 'fatty' area and dont go straight in. Id say see your doc again. you need to apply pressure to the site immediately after you withdraw the needle and hold it for a minute or so and you will have no bruising.

[boonshofter]

I'm a medical student (who also happens to be taking lovenox right now). As boredguyatwork says, you need to pinch. It's meant to be injected into fat. Also, how come you didn't empty out the air first? That's nuts! OUCH. No wonder it's bruising. Also, after 6 weeks of daily injections, I haven't seen a single bruise. I'd make a video if I had the time. These injections should be VERY painless with no bruising at all. And trust me: I ain't no macho guy - just the average skinny dude.

[boredguyatwork1]

You are bleeding and bruising because you aren't pinching. Subq injections are meant to be injected into the fat, and since you were pushing 90 degrees into your muscle, you were bruising viciously and bleeding. Lovenox has a company video, try watching that. They'll tell you exactly how to do it, I did it yesterday and wasn't bothered for but a tiny sting for about 3 minutes.

[nanhaus]

@boredguyatwork1

you should know that you're not supposed to expel the air bubble. It's in the manufacturer's instructions. You should also give it in a 90 degree angle. That's a know fact. This medication should be given "deep Suq". The small needle it comes with, is meant to reach subcutaneous tissue only. Such a small needle would never reach the muscle.

[boredguyatwork1]

@nanhaus I know this. I am saying, the original poster is not pinching the fat when injecting, which is why she is saying to apply a non-90 degree entry for the needle. She's essentially aiming at a 45% because that's how she is getting to the fat instead of the muscle. This is not a problem if you use the needle as illustrated by the company's video I referenced.

tl:dr you have to pinch fat and inject there. This is not the correct way to use the needle.

[NotMollyMormon]

Ouchie!

[jailedan]

Aren't you supposed push the air out first before injecting? Sometimes the bubble can hurt you. You're right about pushing the medicine really slowly, as I found that less painful. When my husband used to do it, he just wanna get it over with. But I found that it burns a lot more like that. I think I will try not pinching before I poke because I think I tense up more when I do so, and maybe it gives me more pain like that. Thanks for this video!

[mbraidi]

It's interesting- I have been taking lovenox for a while and my tips are kind of the exact opposite. Not sure about avoiding bruising, but I find that if I put the needle in hard and fast it is much less painful (what I HATE most is sitting and pushing the needle into my skin and it not going anywhere). I also inject as quickly as possible to get it over with. Whatever works, I guess!

[hmwNcAP]

You arent suppose to clean ur skin first...

[abouttotiethaknot]

@hmwNcAP yes you have to clean your skin first . If you fail to clean the skin properly before hand as with anything else ex. Tattoos... you can put yourself at risk or letting airbourne pathogens into your body ie; Bacteria and not the good kind.

[sxm7336]

you are bruising because you are rubbing the site after injection, also it would be less painful if instead of injecting needle so slowly you would inject it faster

[TheLipstickAddict]

OMG Thank you for this...We are considering IVF and I had NO idea the treatments, procedures etc that went along with it...eek! I needed to see this so thanks again!

[Learraox]

Lovenox hurts like hell...pain/burning comes is waves..I am totally purple in my stomach area, Ihave bumps over my stomach...stomach constantly hurts...can't even give myself the shots...have to be lying down when I do it...you are amazing...can't do what you do...good luck and God speed

[jayteeny08]

thank you SO much! i thought fast and quick was the way to go, but this is so much better! there was no pain and i can hardly see a mark. this will make the next 2+ months infinitely better!

[latinjuliet]

I'm curious if maybe there's some diffrence in the Lovenox i'm taking because mine doesn't hurt at all. The needle is so thin I hardly feel it and the medication either - maybe a slight burn for like a second. I also have hardly any bruising at all, I bruise more from my gonal f. My Lovenox is 40ml

[Kush203]

prob just the mg. i do 150mg 2x daily. theres times when its better than others but it still feels wierd.

[iheartkyo22]

like most things everyone is different. bruising is a symptom but not everyone suffers from all the symptoms

[Kush203]

dont worry ur not alone. I hate lovenox. I have 2 do 2x a day and have 4 the last 5 + years. for life. and im with smitty u never really get ust to it. But hey at least were alive.

[altesse77]

I have another trick...I gave this shot to my Dd, who developed a blood clot while having Cancer. And, I now take Lovenox while pregnant. Trick...You ijnect it in sideways. Slowly....and just the tip of the needle. Then slowly inject the Lovenox, like the video does...Then take it out,slowly. I haven't had a bruise, yet. Or a mark...:)

[dogstar101]

hey - just a quick question. does the massaging create bruising given that you were on lovenox? I've been scared to massage because of this.

Thanks again so much for posting these.

[iheartkyo22]

avoid massaging a sub Q after injection

[dogstar101]

Thank you so much for this - I have been on clexane (similar) for 3 weeks and the bruises are awful. Definitely going to try it your way.

[smitty4114]

man i have been on lovenox for 3 years and no matter how many times i give myslef a shot it always hurts and always burns.But and you never get ust to it.

[vmstudio2001]

I have to put this in for my WIfe every Morning, and that sucks. You would think that with the Technology we have these days the Scientist would find a better way for the end User to get this sh!t in there.

[justmepeanut]

I know your pain and it's not fun I have been doing the shots for 10days I'm glad no more until the doctor thinks I need them again...I pray not.. .. But thank you for making people awear...

[latinjuliet]

I think it's wonderful that you have posted this video of your experience with Lovenox. I have just been prescribed it and will be starting it in a couple of weeks so this gives me a good heads up so I'm prepared. I also think it's a shame that idiots like "dangus69" get to post uneducated comments on anyone's page, who has ever heard of leaving in the air bubbles, one of the first things the IVF nurses teach you is to ALWAYS remove the air bubbles before administering the injection!

[manofmagic64]

I am an RN and recently was started on lovenox injections for a pulmonary embolism(d/t birth control pills).The purpose of leaving the air bubble in the syringe is to seal the medication in the sub-Q.The bubble of course is at the end of the medication as it is injected in the abd. This is the only injection I have ever given where you leave the air bubble in the syringe.Any other injection,air is of course expelled.

[destryridesagain]

I guess it does effect everyone differently...I was put on it in the hospital and am continuing treatment at home. I put it in fast and smooth and though I have a couple of tiny bruises, it is virtually painless.

[jennyhalasz]

I find that laying down while giving myself the injection and then remaining reclined for about 15 mins after really helps quell the stinging. Also, I use a little round bandaid each time and this helps me remember what side I injected on last time.

[annalambs]

No Kidding! And "burns like hell"??? Could he be a bigger baby?

[SSGLuceyGirl]

Thanks for posting this, I have been on this since 9/9 as a preventative for our pregnancy right now.... I have bruising beyond words and hoping this will help

[athuddriver]

First, I appreciate your taking time to share your experience but couple counter points. 1. Don't forget to get rid of any air in the syringe. 2. I am not having any of the problems you seemed to have. I pinch my fat, quick 90 degree injection movement, minor slow pace for injecting the drug. HOWEVER...we all am different! :-) Good luck!

[nocturnallyinsane]

My mom's a nurse, she always puts it in slow and pushes it in fast. D= but I never bruise so yeah...

[mixkittyluv1]

I have to inject myself in the stomach with this stuff, and there are days where i have to get three different shots, and even tho this needle is the smallest, it is by far the most painful. thx for the tips!

[2hotinaz]

Our cat is on this medicine. We inject him right under the nape skin. He will simply keep on eating, or doing whatever he's doing while injecting. Of course, his dose is very small, but he gets it twice a day using the smallest insulin needles, but we push it in as quickly as we can. Maybe animals don't feel the pain as badly as humans? I've looked for bruising on his skin, but haven't found any. He'll be on this the rest of his life, and it is expensive, but less ordered from Canada.

[jayge26]

I have a history of a Pulmonary Embolism several years ago and I have to inject 40mg of this once daily while pregnant to avoid another complication. I was told to remove the air bubble (by tapping it) and i definitely pinch the skin. I think the harder I pinch the less it hurts. This is harder the later in the pregnancy you get. Less extra skin to pinch. I have one son who just turned three and I am 7 months pregnant with my second and had no problems with either pregnancy except for the cost.

[Swimmy93]

My doctor made me take this and it is SOOO expensive but i never got bruised. it also doesnt burn that bad...but i switched to coumadin which is sooo much better and its cheap too..like 4 dollars a prescription and all you have to do is go to the dr. once a week....lovenox was 4000 dollars for three months

[cclaytor420]

i was on lovenox 2x a day. made them switch me to fragmin once a day cause they hurt n bruised badly. fragmin doesnt hurt at all and barely any bruising.

[ntseminole]

why do you put the needle all the way in? I only put it under the skin and then push the drug in....no bruising just burns going in....am I doing this totally wrong?!

[dbrooks12009]

You are an exceptionaly strong person. I just don't know how I'd be able to deal with such a situation. My hat goes off to you and the others like you and also the diabetics of the world that have to do those painful finger sticks every day. You all seem to be coping so well. Your an inspiration.

[jorjenawas]

you really are so courageous!! thank you for the video.

i'm just a guy studying pharmacy, and i have a project concerning Lovenox and the doses, so i decided to watch this video although not very related to the topic of my project..

I can't help but say how amazingly courageous you really are.. i hope i'll never have to inject myself with anything though. I don't think i have it in me to do so.

[AmberB]

My granddad found this video. He wanted me to tell you thank you so so much. This video was very helpful to him. So much less painfull and easier to do then what the nerses told him. :)

[kubu79]

Thank you for sharing. Do you suffer from Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation?

[fritoburrito]

Thank you for sharing. I think the more people that see this, its much less intimidating. One note I received my nurse is NOT to wave after the first application of of the alcohol swab, to avoid germs from re-placing themselves on the injection site. But , what ever works for you. Best of health to you and I hope to feel better.

[jul150]

It does not affect me that way at all. Just a little burning sensation for about 5 minutes after injection.

[eleanorayoulateagain]

I've been on Lovenox for about two weeks now. And it does hurt momentarily -- like five minutes after the injection. But no bruising. I'm happy to find this video though. It is good to know that I am not alone in disliking this treatment.

It has been a lifesaver after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism that almost killed me. But I cannot wait for the Coumadin levels in my blood to reach the right level so that I can kiss Lovenox goodbye.

[ReRe84401]

You are not alone, I am am 35 Female diagnosed with plumonary embolisms in both of my lungs from having DVT I almost died as well,They placed an IVC filter through my neck attery, this is help stop any more blood clots from reaching my heart and lungs after being in the hospital for 17 days (5 days in the ICU) in Feburay 2009.This past week my blood levels went down I was put on lovenox, I had a home health nurse to inject them, it didnt hurt until it was done,burning and little shocks,

[flaviaenicole]

I have a little trick that works and I'd like to share, try applying ice for like 1 minute before injecting, it will work like a topic anesthesic, getting the area a little numbed, you wont feel anything at all.

[catybrookieboo]

It's prounced Love-nox. like love. and it always goes in the LOVEhandles!

[kahrie]

You do not have to give injections in your stomach. I am on Lovenox and have found the best place is in my lower back just above my butt. I've never been left with a bruise and it doesn't hurt nearly as bad.

[SwishaCyn]

Actually, several people do have to inject themselves in the stomach. I was told by my doctor the injection site needs to be at the source of the clot. Mine were in my lungs, so I have to inject myself in the stomach. I WISH I could inject myself elsewhere, sounds less painfull in the lower back.

About the video though, I find it less painful to pinch the fat and to inject quickly, looks like some blood was in that syringe when she pulled it out...

[eleanorayoulateagain]

I do the same way. I also had blood clots in my lungs, and inject into my stomach. And you are also right about the pinching making it less painful. The nurses showed me that trick when I was discharged from the hospital.

I never knew there was a video about this, and that there were so many people out there just like me. Nice to know that I am not alone. :)

[jillivandavid]

NO biggy! I am on twice a day to prevent miscarriage and it was really easy for me. A tiny bruise and it hurts less than putting alcohol on a cut. Once I stopped feeling sorry for myself its just like flossing!

[griswold5507]

I was on lovonox injections because of a foot surgery and what helped the pain for me is to warm up the syringe (warmer than room temp) that and putting the needle in fast.

[annelchiu888]

thank a lot for your movie

[shayk80]

I am on Lovenox 2 times a day for life. I will say that my first few times I did it (4 years ago) it did burn. But now I injected the medication slowly and it doesn't burn at all now. However I do inject mine differently, I still grab my "fat" and inject in a softer portion of the fat, because injecting your way, Hurts like Hell.

[xneumz]

I'm on lovenox for life too, I was wondering if you have any bruising, and if you run out of injection sites??

[GerBear52]

Thank you thank you thank you. Couldn't have done my first injection without watching this about 10 times. Did it laying down with my back slightly propped up with pillows and blankets. NO bruising yet. Thanks again for your advice. One down, 9 to go.

[lgs1992]

I cannot thank you enough! This helped me so much with the bruising! I must be on a smaller dose as i do not have the burning or pain, but the bruising I had after one injectioon is awful!! So, thank you!!!

[GerBear52]

I CAN'T DO IT!!!! I have to get off Warfarin and switch to Lovenox for a week. I was nervous before, but this video scares the Hell out of me...wuss that I am. You have a sexy sexy tum tum BTW. Oh well I only have to do 5 injections so I guess I can do it. Thanks for the advice and demonstration.

[bradin831]

i am injecting lovenox 2 times aday also

it also helps to not bruie if you massage th eplace you injected right after

[NaomiPetals]

Are you able to inject lovenox in your thigh if you're not comfortable sticking your tummy. I was just prescribed the drug because of factor v leiden and im trying to do all I can not to take it. I hate needles. :(

[artgrl101]

thank you- I don't know if I'll ever get used to this but it helped with the pain.

;-)

[2jdsandme]

thank you so much for the tip of injecting very slowly! It lessened the sting tremendously. Now, finding a non-bruised spot on my abdomen is another story...

[CavieJasper]

Negative. I'm so done. Don't think it's humanely possible to do an eighth IVF.

[BunnyD0g]

CavieJasper - you seem like such a very sweet person. Whatever your circumstances, I wish you so much happiness in your life. You've been helpful to so many of us watching your videos.

I wish you a wonderful life!! Stay sweet!!

[marciajc777]

Hi. So how did your IVF Cycle go? I hope all is well with you. Thanks for the tips!