Losmina
PolandTable of Contents
Package leaflet: Information for the patient
Losmina, 12,000 IU (120 mg)/0.8 ml, solution for injection in pre-filled syringe
Losmina, 15,000 IU (150 mg)/1 ml, solution for injection in pre-filled syringe
Enoxaparin sodium
This medicinal product will be subject to additional monitoring. This will allow rapid
identification of new safety information. Patients can also help by reporting any adverse reactions that occur after using the medicine. For information on how to report adverse reactions – see section 4.
Please read this leaflet carefully before using this medicine, as it contains
important information for the patient.
- Keep this leaflet for future reference.
- If you have any further questions, please consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
- This medicine has been prescribed for a specific individual only. Do not pass it on to others. The medicine may harm other people, even if their symptoms are the same.
- If you experience any adverse reactions, including any not listed in this leaflet, inform your doctor or pharmacist. See section 4.
Table of contents
- What Losmina is and what it is used for
- Important information before using Losmina
- How to use Losmina
- Possible side effects
- How to store Losmina
- Contents of the pack and other information
1. What Losmina is and what it is used for
Losmina contains the active substance enoxaparin sodium, which is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH).
Losmina works in two ways:
- It prevents the growth of existing blood clots. This helps the body dissolve existing clots so they are no longer harmful.
- It prevents the formation of new blood clots in the patient.
Losmina may be used:
- To treat existing blood clots in the patient.
- To prevent the formation of blood clots in the patient in the following situations:
- Before and after surgical procedures
- During acute illness when the patient has limited mobility
- In patients who have developed blood clots due to cancer, to further prevent the formation of new clots
- In unstable angina (a condition in which insufficient blood reaches the heart)
- After myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- To prevent clotting in the dialysis filter tubing (used in patients with severe kidney dysfunction).
2. Important information before using Losmina
When not to use Losmina
- If the patient is allergic to enoxaparin sodium or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing, swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue.
- If the patient has previously had an allergic reaction to heparin or other low-molecular-weight heparins, such as nadroparin, tinzaparin or dalteparin.
- If the patient has previously experienced a reaction to heparin that caused a significant decrease in platelets (blood cells responsible for blood clotting), known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, within the last 100 days, or if the patient has antibodies against enoxaparin in the blood.
- If the patient has active bleeding or a medical condition associated with an increased risk of bleeding (e.g. stomach ulcer, recent brain or eye surgery), including recent hemorrhagic stroke.
- If the patient is being treated with Losmina for blood clots and spinal or epidural anaesthesia or lumbar puncture is planned within 24 hours.
Warnings and precautions
Losmina must not be used interchangeably with other medicines belonging to the group of low-molecular-weight heparins, as they are not identical and differ in activity and dosing instructions.
Before starting treatment with Losmina, consult a doctor or pharmacist if:
- The patient has ever experienced a reaction to heparin causing a significant drop in platelet count.
- The patient is scheduled for spinal or epidural anaesthesia or lumbar puncture (see "Surgical procedures and anaesthetics"): appropriate time intervals between administration of Losmina and the procedure must be considered.
- The patient has a prosthetic heart valve.
- The patient has endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart).
- The patient has had or currently has stomach ulcers.
- The patient has recently suffered a stroke.
- The patient has high blood pressure.
- The patient has diabetes or diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy).
- The patient has recently undergone eye or brain surgery.
- The patient is elderly (over 65 years), particularly over 75 years of age.
- The patient has kidney disease.
- The patient has liver disease.
- The patient is underweight or overweight.
- The patient has elevated potassium levels in the blood (this can be detected in a blood laboratory test).
- The patient is currently taking medications that may cause bleeding (see section below "Losmina and other medicines").
Before starting treatment with this medicine and periodically during treatment, blood tests may be performed to monitor platelet count and blood potassium levels.
Children and adolescents
The safety and efficacy of enoxaparin have not been established in children and adolescents.
Losmina and other medicines
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines the patient is currently taking, has recently taken, or plans to take.
- Warfarin – a medicine used to thin the blood.
- Aspirin (also known as acetylsalicylic acid or ASA), clopidogrel, or other medicines used to prevent blood clots (see also section 3 "Changing anticoagulant therapy").
- Dextran injections – used as a plasma substitute.
- Ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketorolac, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and swelling in arthritis and other conditions.
- Prednisolone, dexamethasone, or other medicines used to treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other disorders.
- Medicines that increase blood potassium levels, such as potassium salts, diuretics, or certain medicines used in heart disease.
Surgical procedures and anaesthetics
If the patient is scheduled for lumbar puncture or surgery under epidural or spinal anaesthesia, inform the doctor that the patient is using Losmina. See section "When not to use Losmina". Additionally, inform the doctor about any spinal problems or if the patient has ever undergone spinal surgery.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If the patient is pregnant, breastfeeding, suspects she may be pregnant, or is planning to become pregnant, she should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
Women who are pregnant and have a mechanical heart valve may be at increased risk of developing blood clots. The doctor should discuss this issue with the patient.
Women who are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed should seek medical advice before starting treatment with this medicine.
Driving and operating machinery
Losmina has no influence on the ability to drive or operate machinery.
It is recommended that the physician documents the brand name and batch number of the product used.
Losmina contains sodium
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per dose, meaning it is considered "sodium-free".
3. How to use Losmina
This medicine should always be used as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you have any doubts,
you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking the medicine
- Losmina is usually administered by a doctor or nurse. This is because it must be given by injection.
- After returning home, you may need to continue using Losmina and self-administer it (see the administration instructions provided below).
- Losmina is usually given as subcutaneous injections.
- Losmina may be administered by intravenous injection following certain types of heart attack or after surgery.
- Losmina may be introduced into the dialysis tubing carrying blood away from the body (into the so-called arterial line) at the beginning of a dialysis session. Losmina must not be administered by intramuscular injection.
Dosage
- Your doctor will decide how much Losmina you should receive. The dose depends on the reason for treatment.
- In case of kidney disease, you may receive a lower dose of Losmina.
- Treatment of blood clots in the patient's blood
- The usual dose is 150 IU (1.5 mg) per kilogram of body weight once daily, or 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight twice daily.
- Your doctor will decide how long you should continue receiving Losmina.
- Prevention of blood clot formation in the following situations:
- Surgery or periods of limited mobility due to illness
-
The dose depends on the individual patient's risk of clot formation. You will receive Losmina at a dose of 2000 IU (20 mg) or 4000 IU (40 mg) daily.
-
For planned surgery, the first injection is usually given 2 hours or 12 hours before the procedure.
-
If you have limited mobility due to illness, you will usually receive Losmina at a dose of 4000 IU (40 mg) daily.
-
Your doctor will decide how long you should continue receiving Losmina.
- After heart attack
Losmina may be used in two types of heart attack: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The dose of Losmina will depend on the patient's age and the type of heart attack.
- After heart attack
NSTEMI heart attack:
- The usual dose is 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight every 12 hours.
- Your doctor will usually also recommend taking aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
- Your doctor will decide how long you should continue receiving Losmina.
STEMI heart attack in patients under 75 years of age:
- An initial intravenous dose of 3000 IU (30 mg) of Losmina will be administered.
- Simultaneously, Losmina will also be given by subcutaneous injection. The usual dose is 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight every 12 hours.
- Your doctor will usually also recommend taking aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
- Your doctor will decide how long you should continue receiving Losmina.
STEMI heart attack in patients aged 75 years or older:
- The usual dose is 75 IU (0.75 mg) per kilogram of body weight every 12 hours.
- The maximum dose of Losmina for the first two doses is 7500 IU (75 mg).
- Your doctor will decide how long you should continue receiving Losmina.
Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI):
Depending on when the last dose of Losmina was administered, your doctor may decide to give an additional dose of Losmina before the percutaneous coronary intervention. In this case, the medicine will be administered by intravenous injection.
- Prevention of blood clots in dialysis tubing
- The usual dose is 100 IU (1 mg) per kilogram of body weight.
- Losmina is injected into the tubing carrying blood away from the body (the so-called arterial line) at the start of the dialysis session. This dose is usually sufficient for a 4-hour dialysis session. However, if necessary, your doctor may administer an additional dose of 50 IU to 100 IU (0.5 to 1 mg) per kilogram of body weight.
Instructions for using pre-filled syringes
Self-administration of Losmina injections
If you are able to self-administer Losmina, your doctor or nurse will show you how to do it. Do not attempt to inject the medicine yourself until you have received proper instruction. If you are unsure about any step, speak immediately with your doctor or nurse. Proper subcutaneous injection technique (called a "subcutaneous injection") can help reduce pain and bruising at the injection site.
Before self-injecting Losmina
- Prepare the necessary supplies: the syringe, gauze or soap and water, and a sharps container.
- Check the expiry date on the packaging. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date.
- Check that the syringe is undamaged and that the liquid is clear. If not, use a new syringe.
- Confirm the correct dose to be injected.
- Examine your abdomen to ensure that the previous injection did not cause redness, skin discoloration, swelling, oozing, or ongoing pain. If any of these occur, consult your doctor or nurse.
Instructions for self-administering Losmina injections:
(Instructions for pre-filled syringes without a safety device)
Preparing the injection site
- Choose an injection site on the right or left side of the abdomen. The injection site should be at least 5 cm away from the navel, toward the sides.
- Do not inject within 5 cm of the navel or near existing scars or bruises.
- Rotate injection sites between the left and right sides of the abdomen, depending on the previous injection site.
- Wash your hands. Clean (do not rub) the injection site with an alcohol-soaked gauze pad or soap and water.
- Sit or lie down in a comfortable position to help you relax. Ensure the injection site is clearly visible. A chair, examination table, or bed with supportive pillows is suitable.
Selecting the dose - Carefully remove the needle cap from the syringe. Discard the cap.
- Do not press the plunger before injecting to remove air bubbles. This may reduce the administered dose.
- After removing the cap, do not touch the needle. This ensures the needle remains sterile.
- If the amount of medicine in the syringe matches the prescribed dose, no adjustment is needed. You may proceed with the injection.
- If the dose is based on body weight, you may need to adjust the dose in the syringe according to the prescribed amount. In this case, remove the excess medicine by holding the syringe downward (to keep air bubbles in the syringe) and expel the excess into a container.
- A drop may appear at the tip of the needle. If so, remove the drop before injecting by gently tapping the syringe with the needle pointing downward. You may now proceed with the injection.
Injection - Hold the syringe in the hand you write with (like a pencil). With the other hand, gently pinch the cleaned abdominal skin between your index finger and thumb to create a skin fold.
Ensure you maintain the skin fold during the injection.
- Hold the syringe with the needle pointing downward (perpendicular at a 90° angle). Insert the full length of the needle into the skin fold.
- Press the plunger with your thumb to inject the medicine into the fatty tissue of the abdomen. Inject the entire contents of the syringe.
- Remove the needle straight out from the injection site. Keep the needle away from yourself and others. You may now release the skin fold.
After the injection
- To avoid bruising, do not rub the injection site after the injection.
- Dispose of the used syringe in a medical waste container. Close the container’s lid and store it out of sight and reach of children. If the container is full, dispose of it according to your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions.
Any unused medicine or waste must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.
If you feel the dose is too strong (e.g. unexpected bleeding) or too weak (e.g. the dose does not seem effective), consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Instructions for pre-filled syringes with a safety device
Preparing the injection site - Choose an injection site on the right or left side of the abdomen. The injection site should be at least 5 cm away from the navel, toward the sides.
- Do not inject within 5 cm of the navel or near existing scars or bruises.
- Rotate injection sites between the left and right sides of the abdomen, depending on the previous injection site.
| 2) Wash your hands. Clean (do not rub) the injection site with a swab soaked in alcohol or soapy water. | ||
| with soap. | ||
| 3) Sit or lie down in a comfortable position to help you relax. Make sure that the injection site is within your field of vision. A chair, chaise lounge, or bed with pillows for support will be suitable. | ||
| will be suitable. | ||
Dosing
- Carefully remove the needle cap from the syringe. Discard the cap.
- Do not press the plunger before administering the injection to remove air bubbles. This may result in a reduced dose being delivered.
- After removing the cap, do not touch the needle. This will ensure the cleanliness (sterility) of the needle.
| 2) When the amount of medication in the syringe corresponds to the recommended dose, dose adjustment is not necessary | |
| The injection can now be administered. | |
| 3) When the dose is based on body weight, it may be necessary to adjust the dose in the syringe according to the prescribed dose. In this case, remove the excess medication while holding the syringe | |
| pointed downward (to keep air bubbles in the syringe) and expel the excess medication into the | |
| container. | |
| 4) A drop may appear at the tip of the needle. In this case, remove the drop before | |
| injection by gently tapping the syringe with the needle pointing downward. The injection can now be administered. | |
| wstrzyknięcie. | |
Injection
- Hold the syringe in the hand the patient writes with (as if holding a pencil). With the other hand, gently grasp the cleaned abdominal skin between the thumb and index finger, creating a skin fold.
Ensure that the skin fold is held firmly throughout the injection procedure. - Hold the syringe with the needle pointing downward (vertically at a 90° angle). Insert the full length of the needle into the skin fold.
- Press the plunger with the thumb. This will deliver the medication into the fatty tissue of the abdomen. Inject the entire dose of medication from the syringe.
- Remove the needle from the injection site by pulling it straight out, while keeping fingers on the plunger. Keep the needle pointed away from yourself and others. The safety mechanism is activated by firmly pressing the plunger. The protective shield will automatically cover the needle, and an audible "click" will confirm activation of the safety shield. At this point, the skin fold may be released.
| After injection | |
| 1) To avoid bruising, do not rub the injection site after administration. | |
| 2) The used syringe should be disposed of in a sharps waste container. Close the container lid and | |
| store it out of sight and out of reach of children. If the container is full, | |
it should be disposed of according to the recommendations of the doctor or pharmacist.
Any unused medicines or waste materials should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.
If you feel the dose is too strong (for example, unexpected bleeding occurs)
or too weak (for example, the dose seems ineffective), consult your doctor
or pharmacist.
To avoid bruising, do not rub the injection site after administering the injection.
Switching anticoagulant therapy
- Switching from Losmina to vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) The doctor will advise the patient to have blood tests to determine the INR value and, based on the results, will inform the patient when to stop taking Losmina.
- Switching from vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) to Losmina The vitamin K antagonist medication should be discontinued. The doctor will advise the patient to have blood tests to determine the INR value and, based on the results, will inform the patient when to start taking Losmina.
- Switching from Losmina to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) Discontinue Losmina. Then start taking the direct oral anticoagulant 0–2 hours before the scheduled time of the next injection; subsequently, continue taking the medication as usual.
- Switching from a direct oral anticoagulant to Losmina Discontinue the direct oral anticoagulant. Losmina treatment may be started only 12 hours after the last dose of the direct oral anticoagulant.
Use of a higher than recommended dose of Losmina
If the patient thinks they have used too much or too little of Losmina, they should immediately
inform their doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, even if there are no signs of any problems. In case of accidental injection or ingestion of Losmina by a child, seek emergency medical attention at a hospital emergency department immediately.
Missed dose of Losmina
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Keeping a diary can help ensure that no doses are missed.
Stopping treatment with Losmina
If you have any further doubts about using this medicine, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
It is important to continue administering Losmina injections until your doctor advises you to stop.
Stopping treatment may lead to the formation of a blood clot, which can be very dangerous.
4. Possible adverse reactions
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause adverse reactions, although not everyone will experience them.
Similarly to other similar medicines (used to reduce blood clotting), the medicine Losmina
may cause bleeding, which could potentially be life-threatening. In some cases, bleeding may not be immediately visible.
If any bleeding occurs that does not stop on its own, or if signs of excessive bleeding appear (increased weakness, fatigue,
pallor, dizziness, headache or unexplained sweating), medical advice must be sought immediately.
The doctor may decide to subject the patient to closer observation or to change the medication.
If any of the following symptoms occur, enoxaparin should be discontinued and immediate medical help must be sought:
- Any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or eyes).
- Red, scaly, widespread rash with lumps under the skin and blisters, accompanied by fever. Symptoms usually appear at the beginning of treatment (acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis).
Immediate medical advice should be sought:
- If the patient experiences any signs of a blood vessel blocked by a blood clot, such as:
- Cramping pain, redness, increased warmth or swelling in one of the lower limbs – these are symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or coughing up blood – these are symptoms of pulmonary embolism
- If the patient develops painful rash or dark red spots under the skin that do not fade on pressure. The doctor may order blood tests to determine platelet count.
List of possible adverse reactions:
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Bleeding.
- Increased liver enzyme activity.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Greater than usual tendency to bruising. This may be caused by a reduced platelet count.
- Pink spots on the skin. These changes are more likely at the sites of Losmina injections.
- Skin rash (urticaria).
- Itchy, red skin.
- Bruising or pain at the injection site.
- Decreased number of red blood cells.
- Increased platelet count.
- Headache.
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Sudden, severe headache. This may be a sign of bleeding into the brain.
- Feeling of tenderness and swelling in the stomach. This may be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Large, irregularly shaped red skin lesions, with or without blisters.
- Skin irritation (local irritation).
- The patient may notice yellowing of the skin or eyes and darker urine. This may indicate liver disease.
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
- Severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include: rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing, swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue.
- Increased potassium levels in the blood. This is more likely in people with kidney disease or diabetes. The doctor may check this with a blood test.
- Increased eosinophil count in the blood. The doctor may check this with a blood test.
- Hair loss.
- Osteoporosis (a condition in which bones are more prone to fractures) after long-term use of the medicine.
- Tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness (especially in the lower part of the body) after lumbar puncture or spinal anaesthesia.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (a condition in which the patient is unable to control when to go to the toilet).
- Hardening or lump at the injection site.
Reporting of adverse reactions
If any adverse reactions occur, including any not listed in this leaflet, inform your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Adverse reactions
can be reported directly to the Department of Monitoring of Adverse Drug Reactions of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, 02-222 Warsaw, tel.: +48 22 49 21 301, fax: +48 22 49 21 309, website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
Adverse reactions can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder.
Reporting adverse reactions helps provide more information on the safety of the medicine.
5. How to store Losmina
Store below 25°C. Do not freeze.
Losmina pre-filled syringes are single-dose containers – any unused portion of the product should be discarded.
The medicine should be stored out of sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of the stated month.
Do not use the medicine if the pre-filled syringe is damaged or if the solution is not clear.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Losmina contains
- The active substance in Losmina is enoxaparin sodium.
Each pre-filled syringe contains enoxaparin sodium equivalent to 12,000 IU anti-Xa activity (corresponding to 120 mg) in 0.8 ml of water for injections.
Each pre-filled sy游戏副本 contains enoxaparin sodium equivalent to 15,000 IU anti-Xa activity (corresponding to 150 mg) in 1.0 ml of water for injections.
- The other ingredient is water for injections.
What Losmina looks like and contents of the pack
Losmina is a clear, colourless to slightly yellowish solution for injection, supplied in a 1 ml glass cartridge (Type I clear glass) with a chlorobutyl rubber stopper, plunger, and needle in a protective cap, with or without an automatic needle protection device. It is available in the following presentations:
Losmina 12,000 IU (120 mg)/0.8 ml solution for injection in 1 ml pre-filled syringe.
Pack sizes of 10, 30 and 50 pre-filled syringes.
Losmina 15,000 IU (150 mg)/1 ml solution for injection in 1 ml pre-filled syringe.
Pack sizes of 10, 30 and 50 pre-filled syringes.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
In certain pack sizes, the pre-filled syringes may be equipped with a safety device.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Laboratorios Farmacéuticos Rovi, S.A.
Julián Camarillo, 35
28037 Madrid
Spain
Tel.: (+48) 699 711 147
Manufacturer
ROVI Pharma Industrial Services S.A.
Julián Camarillo, 35
28037 Madrid
Spain
This medicinal product is authorised in the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names:
Germany: Enoxaparin Becat
Belgium: Enoxaparine Becat
Spain: Enoxaparina Rovi
Poland: Losmina
United Kingdom (Northern Ireland): Arovi
Other sources of information
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products: http://www.urpl.gov.pl/