Uses
What is fondaparinux used for?
Fondaparinux is used to prevent blood clots after certain hip, knee, or stomach surgeries. It can also treat blood clots in the legs or lungs when given with another medicine called warfarin.
Fondaparinux may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does fondaparinux work (mechanism of action)?
Fondaparinux is a blood thinner, or anticoagulant. It works by blocking certain substances in the blood that form clots.
How is fondaparinux supplied (dosage forms)?
Fondaparinux is available as Arixtra and generic fondaparinux in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin (subcutaneous).
- 2.5 mg solution for injection
- 5 mg solution for injection
- 7.5 mg solution for injection
- 10 mg solution for injection
How should I store fondaparinux?
Fondaparinux should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of fondaparinux?
The most common side effects of fondaparinux are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Anemia
- Low blood pressure
- Trouble sleeping, dizziness, and confusion
- Increased bleeding
- Bleeding, rash, and itching at the injection site
- Wound drainage increased
- Low potassium level
- Purplish spots on the skin
- Blood clots
There may be other side effects of fondaparinux that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of fondaparinux?
The most serious side effects of fondaparinux are described below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Fondaparinux may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using fondaparinux and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Spinal blood clots. Blood clots can form around the spinal cord if you are taking fondaparinux and have a spinal tap or receive an epidural. These blood clots can cause long-term or permanent paralysis (unable to move). Your risk is higher if a thin tube (catheter) is placed in your spine, you are taking other medicines that may cause bleeding, including other blood thinners, you have a history of difficult or repeated spinal punctures, you have a history of problems with your spine, or had a recent surgery on your spine. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely during the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have back pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness (especially in your legs and feet), or loss of control of the bowels or bladder.
Severe Bleeding. Fondaparinux can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some patients with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking fondaparinux.
- Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
- Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
- Red or black stools (looks like tar)
- Coughing up blood or blood clots
Severely Low Platelet Levels. Fondaparinux can cause you to have a severely low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Nosebleeds
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use fondaparinux?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use fondaparinux.
- Arixtra
- Fondaparinux
- Latex
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all the ingredients in the specific fondaparinux products they stock.
Kidney Problems. Certain kidney problems can increase your risk of bleeding with fondaparinux. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.
Bleeding problems. Do not take fondaparinux if you have uncontrolled bleeding.
Heart infection. Do not take fondaparinux if you have a heart infection (bacterial endocarditis).
Low platelets. Do not use fondaparinux if you have a low platelet count and have tested positive for a certain antibody.
Low body weight. Do not take fondaparinux to prevent a blood clot if you weigh less than 110 pounds.
What should I know about fondaparinux before using it?
Do not use fondaparinux unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share fondaparinux with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep fondaparinux out of the reach of children.
Fondaparinux should be injected into a skin fold of the lower stomach (abdomen) area. You will be given detailed instructions if you will give these injections to yourself.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using fondaparinux?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if fondaparinux is right for you.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Bleeding problems, including stomach ulcer
- Have had problems in the past with pain medication given through the spine
- Have had surgery to your spine or have a spinal deformity
- Any recent surgery, including eye surgery
- History of stroke
- Kidney or liver problems
- High blood pressure
- Diabetic eye disease
Pregnancy. Fondaparinux may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the best way to treat or prevent blood clots if you are pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if fondaparinux passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use fondaparinux while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does fondaparinux interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between fondaparinux and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect fondaparinux. The risk of dizziness and confusion may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking fondaparinux. Both fondaparinux and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding, so it is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Does fondaparinux interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over the counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, or other supplements you are taking.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using fondaparinux:
- A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- Aspirin
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much fondaparinux?
If you or someone else has used too much fondaparinux, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of fondaparinux?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Fondaparinux (Arixtra)?
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