Fondaparinux

Pronunciation: fon-DAP-a-rin-ux
Generic Name: Fondaparinux
Brand Name: Arixtra

Tell your doctor you use Fondaparinux before you have any type of spinal puncture or epidural/spinal anesthesia. Patients who have these procedures while they use Fondaparinux are at risk of developing a blood clot on or near the spinal cord. This could result in long-term or permanent paralysis.

The risk is increased in patients who have an indwelling epidural catheter, traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture, a history of a deformed spine or spinal surgery, and in patients who use medicines that may affect blood clotting, such as warfarin, aspirin, platelet inhibitors (eg, clopidogrel), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen).

If you have a spinal puncture or epidural/spinal anesthesia while you use Fondaparinux, tell your doctor immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms of nerve problems, such as numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, or paralysis.

Fondaparinux is used for:

Preventing blood clots in patients who will be having certain types of surgery. Fondaparinux is also used with warfarin to treat blood clots in the leg or lungs. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Fondaparinux is an anticoagulant. It works by inhibiting one of the steps necessary for the formation of blood clots, which helps prevent clots from developing or worsening.

Do NOT use Fondaparinux if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Fondaparinux


• you have severe kidney problems, inflammation of the heart due to a bacterial infection (eg, bacterial endocarditis), active major bleeding, or severe bleeding problems


• you have a low platelet count and the presence of antiplatelet antibodies


• you weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kg) and are using Fondaparinux to treat a blood clot in the lungs or legs


• you weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kg) and will be having hip or knee replacement surgery or abdominal surgery, or you have had a hip fracture

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Fondaparinux:

Some medical conditions may interact with Fondaparinux. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances (eg, latex)


• if you have a history of kidney problems, liver problems, stomach or intestinal problems (eg, ulcers), stroke, or vision problems caused by diabetes


• if you have a bleeding disorder; a history of brain bleeding or blood conditions; severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure; or low body weight


• if you have recently had or are scheduled to have brain, spine, or eye surgery; an epidural catheter; or a spinal puncture


• if you are taking medicines that affect platelets (eg, aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Fondaparinux. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Activated protein C (eg, drotrecogin alfa), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), direct factor Xa inhibitors (eg, rivaroxaban), direct thrombin inhibitors (eg, dabigatran), NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen, ketorolac, naproxen), platelet inhibitors (eg, clopidogrel, ticlopidine), or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because they may increase the risk of bleeding

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Fondaparinux may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Fondaparinux:

Use Fondaparinux as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Fondaparinux. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.


• Fondaparinux is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Fondaparinux at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Fondaparinux. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.


• Do not use Fondaparinux if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the syringe is cracked or damaged.


• Use the proper technique taught to you by your doctor. Inject deep under the skin, NOT into muscle.


• Use a different injection site each day to prevent problems at the injection site (eg, hematomas).


• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.


• If you miss a dose of Fondaparinux, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Fondaparinux.

Important safety information:

• Fondaparinux may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Fondaparinux before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Before you begin taking any new prescription or nonprescription medicine, check the label to see if it has aspirin or ibuprofen in it. If it does or you are not sure, contact your doctor or pharmacist.


• Fondaparinux may affect certain lab tests, including liver enzyme. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Fondaparinux.


• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts (eg, platelet counts), kidney function, and stool blood, may be performed while you use Fondaparinux. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Fondaparinux with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially bleeding.


• Fondaparinux should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. Children may have an increased risk of bleeding with Fondaparinux.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Fondaparinux while you are pregnant. It is not known if Fondaparinux is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Fondaparinux, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Fondaparinux:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Mild bleeding, irritation, rash, or itching at the injection site; trouble sleeping.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody, black, tarry stools; confusion; difficulty walking; fainting; fever; increased drainage or oozing from a wound; loss of appetite; nosebleed; one-sided weakness; pale skin; pink or red urine; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; severe or persistent tiredness, weakness, nausea, or vomiting; slurred speech; swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands; tingling or numbness (especially in the legs and feet), and muscle weakness; unusual or severe bleeding or bruising; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Fondaparinux side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include excessive bleeding and bruising.

Proper storage of Fondaparinux:

Store Fondaparinux at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Fondaparinux out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Fondaparinux, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Fondaparinux is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Fondaparinux. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Fondaparinux resources

• Fondaparinux Side Effects (in more detail)
• Fondaparinux Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Fondaparinux Drug Interactions
• Fondaparinux Support Group
• 3 Reviews for Fondaparinux - Add your own review/rating

• fondaparinux Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)


• fondaparinux Subcutaneous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Arixtra Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Arixtra Monograph (AHFS DI)

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