New FDA LMWH Guidelines

Elaine Benoit of Precision BioLogic Inc forwarded a November 6, 2013 message recommending new spinal catheter insertion and removal times for patients receiving low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) such as enoxaparin (Lovenox or generics). To avoid spinal bleeds, the FDA now recommends discontinuing LMWH treatment and delaying procedures by 12 hours when using a prophylactic dose and 24 hours when using a therapeutic dose, 1 mg/kg twice daily or 1.5 mg/kg once daily. They further recommend waiting 4 hours after a procedure to restart therapy. Thanks, Elaine, for the heads-up!