Abstract

Enoxaparin is extensively used in the treatment of venousthrombo-embolic disease (VTED) which inhibits blood clotting inside the blood vessels by the inhibition of factor Xa activity through antithrombin. Local hypersensitivity reactions are one of the rare adverse drug reactions (ADR) of enoxaparin which may lead to hospitalization and excessive burden to the patient. A 72 years male patient was admitted in general medicine department with retrosternal pain even at rest and was diagnosed with unstable angina pectoris. He was administered with anti-coagulantEnoxaparin 0.4ml (40 I.U)subcutaneouslyalong with other supportive medications. Patient have developed severe local hyper sensitivity reactions like erythema,pain,swelling,irritation at the site of injection, and suspected as an ADR of Enoxaparin and immediately drug was withdrawn, then it was confirmed through causality assessment and this ADR have shown +ve for rechallenge;patient was fallowed for improvement and the symptoms especially swelling and irritations were not subsidedeven on 9th day. By this case study we strongly recommend the testingof drug sensitivity before initiating Enoxaparin therapy,and need to collect past history comprehensively for safe and effective outcome of therapy.