CLEXANE 15,000 IU (150 mg)/1 ml PRE-FILLED SYRINGE SOLUTION FOR INJECTION

Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the User

CLEXANE 15,000 IU (150 mg)/1 ml solution for injection in a pre-filled syringe

enoxaparin sodium

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.

• Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the pack

1. What Clexane is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use Clexane
3. How to use Clexane
4. Possible side effects
5. Storing Clexane
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Clexane is and what it is used for

Clexane contains the active substance enoxaparin sodium. It belongs to a group of medicines called “low molecular weight heparin” or LMWH.

How Clexane works

Clexane works in two ways:

1. Preventing existing blood clots from getting bigger. This helps your body to break them down and stops them from causing you harm.
2. Stopping new blood clots from forming.

What Clexane is used for

Clexane can be used to:

• Treat blood clots
• Prevent blood clots from forming in the following situations:
• • before and after surgery
  • when you are bedridden due to a short-term illness
  • if you have had a blood clot due to cancer, to prevent new clots from forming.
• Prevent blood clots from forming when you have unstable angina (a condition where your heart does not get enough blood) or after a heart attack
• Prevent blood clots from forming in the tubes of a dialysis machine (used in people with severe kidney problems).

2. What you need to know before you use Clexane

Do not use Clexaneif:

• you are allergic to:
• • enoxaparin sodium or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)
  • heparin or other low molecular weight heparins such as nadroparin, tinzaparin, or dalteparin.

Signs of an allergic reaction include: rash, problems breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, mouth, throat, or eyes.

• you have had a reaction to heparin that caused a severe decrease in the number of cells involved in blood clotting (platelets) in the last 100 days
• you have antibodies against enoxaparin in your blood
• you are bleeding heavily or have a high risk of bleeding due to conditions such as:
• • stomach ulcer, recent brain or eye surgery, or cerebral hemorrhage.
• you are using Clexane to treat blood clots and are going to have:
• • a lumbar puncture or spinal puncture within the next 24 hours
  • surgery with spinal or epidural anesthesia.

Do not use Clexane if you have any of the conditions listed above. If you are not sure, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Clexane.

Warnings and precautions

Clexane should not be exchanged with other low molecular weight heparins such as nadroparin, tinzaparin, or dalteparin. This is because they are not identical and do not have the same activity or instructions for use.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to use Clexane if:

• you have ever had a reaction to heparin that caused a severe decrease in the number of cells involved in blood clotting (platelets)
• you have had a heart valve implanted
• you have endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart)
• you have a history of stomach ulcers
• you have recently had a cerebral hemorrhage
• you have high blood pressure
• you have diabetes or problems with the blood vessels in your eyes caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
• you have recently had eye or brain surgery
• you are elderly (over 65 years old) and especially if you are over 75 years old
• you have kidney problems
• you have liver problems
• you are underweight or overweight
• you have high levels of potassium in your blood (which may be checked with a blood test)
• you are currently using medicines that affect bleeding (see section 2, “Using Clexane with other medicines”)
• you have any problems with your spine or have had spinal surgery.

If you have any of the conditions listed above (or are not sure), consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Clexane.

For patients receiving doses greater than 210 mg/day, this medicine contains more than 24 mg of sodium (the main component of table/cooking salt) per dose. This is equivalent to 1.2% of the maximum recommended daily intake of sodium for an adult.

Tests and checks

You may need to have a blood test before starting to use this medicine and while you are using it; this is to check the level of cells involved in blood clotting (platelets) and the levels of potassium in your blood.

Children and adolescents

The efficacy and safety of Clexane in children and adolescents have not been established.

Using Clexane with other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used, or might use any other medicines.

• warfarin - used to reduce blood clotting
• aspirin (also known as acetylsalicylic acid or ASA), clopidogrel, or other medicines used to prevent blood clots (see section 3, “Changing anticoagulant medicine”)
• dextran injection - used as a blood substitute
• ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketorolac, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat pain and inflammation in arthritis and other conditions
• prednisolone, dexamethasone, and other medicines used to treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions
• medicines that increase potassium levels in the blood, such as potassium salts, diuretics, and some medicines for heart problems.

Surgery and anesthesia

If you are going to have a lumbar puncture or spinal puncture, or are going to have surgery with spinal or epidural anesthesia, tell your doctor that you are using Clexane.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.

If you are pregnant and have a mechanical heart valve, you may be at higher risk of blood clots. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, you should consult your doctor before using this medicine.

Driving and using machines

Clexane does not affect your ability to drive or use machines.

It is recommended that your healthcare professional records the trade name and batch number of the product you are using.

3. How to use Clexane

Follow the administration instructions for this medication exactly as indicated by your doctor or pharmacist. In case of doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.

Using the medication

• Normally, your doctor or nurse will administer Clexane to you. This is because it must be administered by injection.
• Clexane is usually administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneously).
• Clexane can be administered by injection into your veins (intravenously) after certain types of heart attacks or surgical operations.
• Clexane can be added to the tube that comes out of your body (arterial line) at the start of a dialysis session.
• Do not administer Clexane into a muscle (intramuscularly).

How much will be administered to you

• Your doctor will decide the amount of Clexane to be administered to you. The amount will depend on the reason for its use.
• If you have kidney problems, you may be administered a smaller amount of Clexane.

1. Treatment of blood clot formation

• The usual dose is 150 IU (1.5 mg) per kilogram of body weight once a day or 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight twice a day.
• Your doctor will decide how long you will receive Clexane.

1. Prevention of blood clot formation during surgical operations or periods of limited mobility due to illness

• The dose will depend on your likelihood of developing a clot. You will be administered 2,000 IU (20 mg) or 4,000 IU (40 mg) of Clexane per day.
• If you are going to have surgery, you will usually be given the first injection 2 or 12 hours before the operation.
• If you have reduced mobility due to illness, you will usually be administered 4,000 IU (40 mg) of Clexane per day.
• Your doctor will decide how long you will receive Clexane.

1. Prevention of blood clot formation when you have unstable angina or after having a heart attack

• Clexane can be used in 2 different types of heart attacks.
• The amount of Clexane administered to you will depend on your age and the type of heart attack you have had.

Heart attack type IAMSEST (myocardial infarction without ST segment elevation):

• The usual dose is 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight every 12 hours.
• Usually, your doctor will tell you to also take aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
• Your doctor will decide how long you will receive Clexane.

Heart attack type IAMCEST (myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation) if you are under 75 years old:

• You will be administered an initial intravenous injection of 3,000 IU (30 mg) of Clexane.
• At the same time, you will be administered a subcutaneous injection of Clexane. The usual dose is 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight, every 12 hours.
• Usually, your doctor will tell you to also take aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
• Your doctor will decide how long you will receive Clexane.

Heart attack type IAMCEST if you are 75 years old or older:

• The usual dose is 75 IU (0.75 mg) per kilogram of body weight, every 12 hours.
• The maximum amount of Clexane administered in the first two injections is 7,500 IU (75 mg).
• Your doctor will decide how long you will receive Clexane.

For patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI):

• Depending on when you last received a Clexane injection, your doctor may decide to administer an additional dose of Clexane before a PCI procedure. This would be by intravenous injection.

1. Prevention of blood clot formation in the tubes of the dialysis apparatus

• The usual dose is 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight.
• Clexane is added to the tube that comes out of your body (arterial line) at the start of a dialysis session. This amount is usually sufficient for a 4-hour session. However, your doctor may administer an additional injection of 50 IU to 100 IU (0.5 to 1 mg) per kilogram of body weight if necessary.

If you are going to inject Clexane yourself

If you can administer Clexane to yourself, your doctor or nurse will show you how to do it. Do not attempt to inject yourself if you have not been taught how to do it. If you are unsure what to do, consult your doctor or nurse immediately. If the injection is performed correctly under the skin (subcutaneously), this will help reduce pain and bruising at the injection site.

Before injecting Clexane yourself

• Prepare what you will need: syringe, cotton swab with alcohol or soap and water, and a container for sharp objects
• Check the expiration date of the medication. If it has expired, do not use it
• Check that the syringe is not damaged and that the medication solution is clear. If it is not, use another syringe
• Make sure you know the amount to be injected
• Check the area of your stomach where the last injection was given for redness, skin color change, swelling, suppuration, or pain that still persists. If this occurs, consult your doctor or nurse

Instructions for injecting Clexane yourself:

(Instructions for syringes without a safety device)

Preparing the injection site

1. Choose an area on the right or left side of your stomach. At least 5 cm from the navel and towards either side.
   • Do not inject within 5 cm of the navel or around it if there are scars or bruises.
   • To inject yourself, alternate the left and right sides of your stomach, depending on where you last injected.

1. Wash your hands. Clean (do not rub) the area where you will perform the injection with a cotton swab with alcohol or with soap and water.
2. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position so that you are relaxed. Check that you can see the area where you will inject. The most suitable place is on a couch, reclining chair, or in a bed with pillows.

Selecting the dose

1. Carefully remove the needle cap from the syringe by pulling it. Discard the cap.
   • Before injecting yourself, do not press the plunger to eliminate air bubbles. This can cause a loss of medication.
   • Once you have removed the cap, do not touch anything with the needle. This will ensure that the needle remains clean (sterile).

1. When the amount of medication in the syringe matches the prescribed dose, there is no need to adjust the dose. You are now ready to administer the injection.
2. When the dose depends on your body weight, you may need to adjust the dose in the syringe to match the prescribed dose. In this case, you can get rid of the excess medication by keeping the syringe pointing downwards (to keep the air bubble in the syringe) and expelling the excess into a container.
3. A drop may appear at the tip of the needle. If this happens, you must eliminate the drop before administering the injection by gently tapping the syringe with the needle pointing downwards. You are now ready to administer the injection.

Administering the injection

1. Hold the syringe with the hand you write with (as if it were a pencil). With the other hand, gently pinch the area you have cleaned on your stomach, between your index finger and thumb to form a fold in the skin.
   • Make sure to hold this skin fold while the injection lasts.
2. Hold the syringe so that the needle points straight down (vertically at a 90-degree angle). Insert the entire needle into the skin fold.

1. Press the plunger with your thumb. This will administer the medication into the fatty tissue of your stomach. Complete the injection using all the medication in the syringe.
2. Remove the needle from the injection site by pulling it straight out. Now you can release the skin fold.

When you have finished

1. To avoid bruising, do not rub the injection site after it has been injected.
2. Place the used syringe in the container for sharp objects. Close the container lid tightly and keep it out of the reach of children. When the container is full, dispose of it as your doctor or pharmacist has indicated.

The disposal of unused medication and all materials that have come into contact with it will be carried out in accordance with local regulations.

Instructions for syringes with automatic safety device type ERIS TM:

Preparing the injection site

1. Choose an area on the right or left side of your stomach. At least 5 cm from the navel and towards either side.
   • Do not inject within 5 cm of the navel or around it if there are scars or bruises.
   • To inject yourself, alternate the left and right sides of your stomach, depending on where you last injected.

1. Wash your hands. Clean (do not rub) the area where you will perform the injection with a cotton swab with alcohol or with soap and water.
2. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position so that you are relaxed. Check that you can see the area where you will inject. The most suitable place is on a couch, reclining chair, or in a bed with pillows.

Selecting the dose

1. Carefully remove the needle cap from the syringe by pulling it. Discard the cap.
   • Before injecting yourself, do not press the plunger to eliminate air bubbles. This can cause a loss of medication.
   • Once you have removed the cap, do not touch anything with the needle. This will ensure that the needle remains clean (sterile).

1. When the amount of medication in the syringe matches the prescribed dose, there is no need to adjust the dose. You are now ready to administer the injection.
2. When the dose depends on your body weight, you may need to adjust the dose in the syringe to match the prescribed dose. In this case, you can get rid of the excess medication by keeping the syringe pointing downwards (to keep the air bubble in the syringe) and expelling the excess into a container.
3. A drop may appear at the tip of the needle. If this happens, you must eliminate the drop before administering the injection by gently tapping the syringe with the needle pointing downwards. You are now ready to administer the injection.

Administering the injection

1. Hold the syringe with the hand you write with (as if it were a pencil). With the other hand, gently pinch the area you have cleaned on your stomach, between your index finger and thumb to form a fold in the skin.
   • Make sure to hold this skin fold while the injection lasts.
2. Hold the syringe so that the needle points straight down (vertically at a 90-degree angle). Insert the entire needle into the skin fold.

1. Press the plunger with your thumb. This will administer the medication into the fatty tissue of your stomach. Complete the injection using all the medication in the syringe.
2. Remove the needle from the injection site by pulling it straight out. A protective cover will automatically cover the needle. Now you can release the skin fold. The safety device will only release the protective cover when the syringe has been emptied by pressing the plunger deeply.

When you have finished

1. To avoid bruising, do not rub the injection site after it has been injected.
2. Place the used syringe in the container for sharp objects. Close the container lid tightly and keep it out of the reach of children. When the container is full, dispose of it as your doctor or pharmacist has indicated.

The disposal of unused medication and all materials that have come into contact with it will be carried out in accordance with local regulations.

Instructions for syringes with automatic safety device type PREVENTIS TM:

Preparing the injection site

1. Choose an area on the right or left side of your stomach. At least 5 cm from the navel and towards either side.
   • Do not inject within 5 cm of the navel or around it if there are scars or bruises.
   • To inject yourself, alternate the left and right sides of your stomach, depending on where you last injected.

1. Wash your hands. Clean (do not rub) the area where you will perform the injection with a cotton swab with alcohol or with soap and water.
2. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position so that you are relaxed. Check that you can see the area where you will inject. The most suitable place is on a couch, reclining chair, or in a bed with pillows.

Selecting the dose

1. Carefully remove the needle cap from the syringe by pulling it. Discard the cap.
   • Before injecting yourself, do not press the plunger to eliminate air bubbles. This can cause a loss of medication.
   • Once you have removed the cap, do not touch anything with the needle. This will ensure that the needle remains clean (sterile).

1. When the amount of medication in the syringe matches the prescribed dose, there is no need to adjust the dose. You are now ready to administer the injection.
2. When the dose depends on your body weight, you may need to adjust the dose in the syringe to match the prescribed dose. In this case, you can get rid of the excess medication by keeping the syringe pointing downwards (to keep the air bubble in the syringe) and expelling the excess into a container.
3. A drop may appear at the tip of the needle. If this happens, you must eliminate the drop before administering the injection by gently tapping the syringe with the needle pointing downwards. You are now ready to administer the injection.

Administering the injection

1. Hold the syringe with the hand you write with (as if it were a pencil). With the other hand, gently pinch the area you have cleaned on your stomach, between your index finger and thumb to form a fold in the skin.
   • Make sure to hold this skin fold while the injection lasts.
2. Hold the syringe so that the needle points straight down (vertically at a 90-degree angle). Insert the entire needle into the skin fold.

1. Press the plunger with your thumb. This will administer the medication into the fatty tissue of your stomach. Complete the injection using all the medication in the syringe.
2. Remove the needle from the injection site by pulling it straight out, keeping your finger on the plunger. Orient the needle away from yourself and others, and press the plunger firmly to activate the safety system. The protective cover will automatically cover the needle. You will hear a "click" that confirms the activation of the safety system. Now you can release the skin fold.

When you have finished

1. To avoid bruising, do not rub the injection site after it has been injected.
2. Place the used syringe in the container for sharp objects. Close the container lid tightly and keep it out of the reach of children. When the container is full, dispose of it as your doctor or pharmacist has indicated.

The disposal of unused medication and all materials that have come into contact with it will be carried out in accordance with local regulations.

Changing anticoagulant medication

• Changing from Clexane to vitamin K antagonist medications (such as warfarin)

Your doctor will request that you have a blood test to determine a parameter called INR and will tell you when to stop treatment with Clexane.

• Changing from vitamin K antagonist medications (such as warfarin) to Clexane

Stop using the vitamin K antagonist. Your doctor will request that you have a blood test to determine a parameter called INR and will tell you when to start using Clexane.

• Changing from Clexane to direct oral anticoagulants

4. Possible side effects

Like all medications, this medication can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Severe side effects

Discontinue Clexane treatmentand inform your doctor or nurse immediatelyif you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as a rash, breathing or swallowing problems, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, mouth, throat, or eyes).

Discontinue Clexane treatment and inform your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• a widespread, red, scaly rash with bumps and blisters, accompanied by fever. Symptoms usually appear at the start of treatment (acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis).

Like other similar medications to reduce blood clots, Clexane may cause bleeding. This could be life-threatening. In some cases, the bleeding may not be apparent.

Inform your doctor immediately if:

• you have any bleeding that does not stop by itself
• you have signs of excessive bleeding (such as feeling very weak, tired, pale, or dizzy with a headache or unexplained swelling).

Your doctor may decide to keep you under close observation or change your medication.

You must inform your doctor immediately:

• if you experience any signs of a blood vessel blockage due to a blood clot, such as:

• cramping pain, redness, heat, or swelling in one of your legs – symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
• difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, or coughing up blood – symptoms of pulmonary embolism

• if you have a painful skin rash with dark red spots under the skin that do not disappear when pressed.

Your doctor may request a blood test to check your platelet count.

Other side effects:

Very common(may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• bleeding
• increased liver enzymes.

Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• if bruises appear more frequently than usual - this could be due to a blood problem caused by a low platelet count
• pink patches on the skin - appear more frequently in the area where Clexane was injected
• skin rash (hives, urticaria)
• redness and itching of the skin
• bruising or pain at the injection site
• decrease in red blood cell count
• increase in platelet count in blood
• headache.

Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• sudden severe headache - this could be a sign of bleeding in the brain
• tenderness and swelling of the stomach - could be indicative of gastric bleeding
• large, irregular, red lesions on the skin, with or without blisters
• skin irritation (local irritation)
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, and darkening of urine color - this could be due to a liver problem.

Rare(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

• severe allergic reaction - signs of this reaction may include: skin rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue
• increased potassium in the blood - this is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems or diabetes. Your doctor can check this with a blood test
• increased eosinophil count in blood - your doctor can check this with a blood test
• hair loss
• osteoporosis (a disease in which bones can fracture more easily)
• tingling, numbness, and weakness in the muscles (especially in the lower part of the body) when a lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia has been performed
• loss of bladder or bowel control (so that you cannot control your needs)
• hardening or nodule at the injection site.

Reporting side effects

If you experience any side effects, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse, even if they are possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for human use medications: https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting side effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medication.

5. Storage of Clexane

Do not store above 25°C. Do not freeze.

Keep this medication out of sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medication after the expiration date stated on the packaging after CAD. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.

Do not use this medication if you notice a crack in the syringe, particles in suspension in the solution, or an abnormal color of the solution (see "Appearance of the product and package contents").

Medications should not be disposed of through wastewater or household waste. Deposit the packaging and medications you no longer need at the SIGRE collection point in the pharmacy. In case of doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and medications you no longer need. This will help protect the environment.

6. Package contents and additional information

Clexane composition

• The active ingredient is enoxaparin sodium
• Each ml contains 150 mg of enoxaparin sodium, equivalent to 15,000 IU of anti-Xa activity

Each pre-filled syringe with 1.0 ml contains 15,000 IU (150 mg) of enoxaparin sodium

• The other component is water for injectable preparations

Appearance of the product and package contents

Clexane is a clear, colorless to yellowish injectable solution in a pre-filled glass syringe (with or without an automatic safety device).

It is available in packs of 2, 5, 6, 10, 20, 30, 50 pre-filled syringes, and in multiple packs of 3 x 10 pre-filled syringes.

Only some pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing authorization holder

sanofi-aventis, S.A.

C/ Roselló i Porcel, 21

08016 Barcelona

Spain

Manufacturer

Sanofi Winthrop Industrie

180 rue Jean Jaurès

94700 Maisons-Alfort

France

O

Sanofi-Aventis Private Co. Ltd

Budapest Logistics and Distribution Platform

Bdg. DC5, Campona utca1.

Budapest, 1225

Hungary

O

Sanofi-Aventis GmbH

Turm A, 29. OG, Wienerbergstraβe 11

1100 Vienna

Austria

O

Sanofi Winthrop Industrie1051 Boulevard Industriel76580 Le TraitFrance

O

Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH

Industriepark Höchst-Brüningstraβe 50

65926 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

This medication is authorized in the member states of the European Economic Area under the following names:

Austria, France, Portugal: Lovenox.

Belgium, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Spain: Clexane.

Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, United Kingdom: Clexane Forte.

Italy: Clexane T.

Finland, Norway, Sweden: Klexane.

Date of last revision of this leaflet: February 2022

Other sources of information

Detailed information about this medication is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/