What is Arixtra?

Common Brand(s): Arixtra

Fondaparinux is used to treat serious blood clots in the legs and/or lungs. It is usually used with another "blood thinner" medication (warfarin). If untreated, blood clots can travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, causing serious (possibly fatal) breathing problems, heart attack, or stroke. This drug may also be used to prevent blood clots after certain surgeries with an increased risk of blood clots (such as hip fracture, abdominal, knee/hip replacement).

Fondaparinux is known as a "blood thinner" (anticoagulant). It is a drug similar to heparin that works by blocking certain natural substances in the blood that cause clotting.

Uses

acute myocardial infarction
acute coronary syndrome
acute pulmonary thromboembolism
deep venous thrombosis
deep vein thrombosis prevention
hip surgery deep vein thrombosis prevention
knee replacement deep vein thrombosis prevention
abdominal surgery deep vein thrombosis prevention

Usage Instructions

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using fondaparinux and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection under the skin of the stomach/abdomen as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not inject into a muscle. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The dosage may also be based on your weight. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix any other medication in the same injection. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. To minimize bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

When treating a blood clot, another "blood thinner" (warfarin) is usually started within 3 days after you start using fondaparinux. Your doctor will direct you to use both of these medications until the warfarin is working well. Do not stop either of these medications until your doctor directs you to stop.

To prevent blood clots due to surgery, your doctor may direct you to start using this medication after surgery (such as 6 to 8 hours after knee/hip replacement surgery) and continue for several days. Follow your doctor's directions closely. Starting this medication too soon after surgery may increase the risk of serious bleeding.

This medication may also be given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Each prefilled syringe can be used only once; discard any unused portion.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.