Fondaparinux (Injection)

Introduction:

Fondaparinux (fon-da-PAR-in-ux)

Prevents blood clots from forming after hip, knee, or stomach surgery. Also treats problems in the lungs, legs, and other parts of the body caused by blood clots. This medicine is an anticoagulant or "blood thinner."

Brand Name(s):

Arixtra

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using pain or arthritis medicine, sometimes called "NSAIDs" (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, piroxicam, Advil®, Aleve®, Bextra®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, Motrin®). Tell your doctor if you also use a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor will need to know if you have bleeding problems, ulcers, or bleeding in your digestive system. Tell your doctor if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, kidney disease, eye problems caused by diabetes, or a history of stroke or bleeding caused by heparin. Make sure your doctor knows if you have recently had brain, back, or eye surgery.
• This medicine may cause bleeding problems. This risk is higher if you have a catheter in your back for administering pain medicine or anesthesia (sometimes called an "epidural") or if you have kidney problems. The risk of bleeding increases as the severity of your kidney problems increases. Discuss this with your doctor if you are concerned.
• You may bleed and bruise more easily while you are using this medicine. Be extra careful to avoid injuries until the effects of the medicine have worn off. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers. Avoid picking your nose. If you need to blow your nose, blow it gently.
• Watch for any bleeding from open areas such as around the injection site. Also check for blood in your urine or stool. If you have any bleeding or injuries, tell your doctor right away.
• The needle guard of the prefilled syringe of this medicine contains dry natural latex rubber. Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to latex or rubber.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Black, tarry stools.
• Blood in your urine or stools.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Rapid weight gain.
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unexplained nosebleeds.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Confusion.
• Mild bleeding, itching, or rash where the shot is given.
• Mild constipation, diarrhea, or stomach upset.
• Mild headache.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Pale skin.
• Trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: