Fondaparinux (Arixtra) is a synthetic anticoagulant containing five monomeric sugar units and an O-methyl group at the molecule’s reducing end.
When cleaved into monomeric units, it resembles the polymeric glycosaminoglycans heparin and heparan sulphate (HS). Fondaparinux prevents the activity of some blood clotting factors.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a form of a blood clot that can lead to blood clots in the lungs. Fondaparinux is used to avoid DVT (pulmonary embolism).
Following certain types of surgery, a DVT may develop. DVT, like pulmonary embolism, is treated with fondaparinux in combination with warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
Fondaparinux Uses
Fondaparinux injections are used to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT, a blood clot in the leg), which can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE, a blood clot in the lung) in patients undergoing hip surgery, hip or knee replacement, or abdominal surgery.
It’s also used to treat DVT and PE when combined with warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
Fondaparinux belongs to the factor Xa inhibitor class of medications. It works by increasing the blood clotting ability.
Fondaparinux Side effects
Some of the common side effects of Fondaparinux are:
Rash
Itching
Bruising
Dizziness
Pale skin
Blisters on skin
Difficulty while falling asleep
Some of the serious side effects of Fondaparinux are:
Unusual bleeding
Bruising
Dark red spots
Hives
Swelling of face, throat and tongue
Difficulty in swallowing
Fondaparinux can cause some serious side effects. Avoid using the medicine if you feel any adverse effects and contact your doctor immediately. The doctor might change the prescribed dose or medicines looking at your side effects.
Precautions
Before using Fondaparinux, talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications.
The product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause serious allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Fondaparinux, talk with your doctor if you have any medical history, such as
Infection in the heart
Bleeding ulcer
Low platelet count because of antiplatelet antibody
Blood problems
Heparin
High blood pressure
Kidney disease
Seizures
Stomach and intestinal problems.
How to use Fondaparinux?
Fondaparinux injection is a liquid solution that is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) in the lower stomach. It is usually given once a day for 5 to 9 days, but it may be given for up to a month.
Fondaparinux injections will most likely be initiated while you are still in the hospital, at least 6 to 8 hours after your surgery. Do not administer more or less of it or inject it more often than your doctor has prescribed.
If you intend to continue using fondaparinux after your hospital stay, you can inject it yourself or have a friend or relative do it for you. Request that your doctor or pharmacist explain how to inject the drug to you or the person who will be injecting it.
Please read the Patient Details that come with the Fondaparinux injection before using it for the first time. Instructions for using and injecting
Fondaparinux prefilled safety syringes are included in this paper.
If you have any concerns about how to inject this drug, contact your pharmacist or doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, do so as soon as you recall. If the next dose is coming, skip the skipped dose.
Take the next dose at the same time every day. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed fondaparinux tablets, there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions.
Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Consider the advantages and drawbacks of treatment, as well as potential risks to a foetus, when administering fondaparinux to a pregnant woman due to the mechanism of action and associated known risk of bleeding.
There is no information about whether fondaparinux is found in human milk, how it affects a breastfed infant, or how it affects milk production.
Consider the developmental and health advantages of breastfeeding, as well as the mother’s therapeutic need for therapy and any possible fondaparinux or underlying maternal disorder side effects on the breastfed infant.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly, the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Fondaparinux vs Heparin:
Fondaparinux
Heparin
Fondaparinux belongs to the class of medications called factor Xa inhibitors. This works by increasing the clotting ability of the blood.
Heparin solutions are used in small amounts for preventing blood clots from forming in cathers which are left in veins over a period of time.
Fondaparinux (Arixtra) is a synthetic anticoagulant made up of five monomeric sugar units and an O-methyl group at the molecule’s reducing end.
Heparin is a prescription drug that comes as a self-injectable solution that is injected under your skin. This also comes as a solution that healthcare provider injects intravenously.
Some of the common side effects of Fondaparinux are:
