ARIXTRA (FONDAPARINUX)

Description of Arixtra

Your doctor may prescribe Arixtra following hip fracture repair/replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, or abdominal surgery if you are at risk for developing a blood clot known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This blood clot could lead to a pulmonary embolism. Arixtra can be administered at home while you are recovering or if you require long-term medication to prevent future blood clots if you are an ‘at risk’ patient.

Surgery, heart disease, or having cancer can make you an ‘at risk’ patient. Being immobilized for extended periods of time can be dangerous for some individuals, including those that smoke, are eating a poor diet, or are obese so it’s important to follow doctor’s instructions and take part in being more physically active as soon as you can, stop smoking, and eat healthier.

Avoid Clot Formation That May Result in a Pulmonary Embolism

The injection of Arixtra is given just under the skin (subcutaneous) in your abdomen/stomach area as demonstrated by a healthcare professional. The active ingredient is Fondaparinux, a man-made factor Xa (ten a) inhibitor. Unlike low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) anticoagulants that affect a blood plasma enzyme called thrombin and factor Xa, that has a key role in the coagulation cascade, Arixtra works strictly against factor Xa to interrupt the process of blood coagulation. This is a preventative measure against forming a clot and when added to Warfarin, Arixtra can help treat DVT.

Conditions Treated by Arixtra

Deep vein thrombosis can occur when a blood clot forms deep in a vein in your leg(s) and causes the affected leg to swell and become painful, or you may not notice any symptoms unless the blood clot has broken away and traveled through your bloodstream to your lungs and blocks your blood flow. This is called a pulmonary embolism and you may experience a shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains, and a rapid pulse. This is an emergency situation and medical attention is vital as a pulmonary embolism could be fatal.

Before Arixtra is Prescribed and Administered

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding as Arixtra may cause harm to your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list all OTC and Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to determine if Arixtra is safe for you.

Arixtra Risks and Precautions

You should not attempt any activity that may result in injury and be careful when brushing your teeth or shaving while on Arixtra as your body’s ability to stop bleeding is impaired. Until you know how Arixtra will affect you, do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any task that could pose a risk if you are dizzy or light-headed. All medications and injection material should be kept out of children’s reach and never share them with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Arixtra

• Insomnia
• Mild skin rash
• Minor bleeding/itching at injection site