Arixtra (Fondaparinux Sodium) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Arixtra

Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot in the Lung) »

What is a pulmonary embolism?

The lungs are a pair of organs in the chest that are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and blood. The lung is composed of clusters of small air sacs (alveoli) divided by thin, elastic walls (membranes). Capillaries, the tiniest of blood vessels, run within these membranes between the alveoli and allow blood and air to come near each other. The distance between the air in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries is very small, and allows molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide to transfer across the membranes.

The exchange of the air between the lungs and blood are through the arterial and venous system. Arteries and veins both carry and move blood throughout the body, but the process for each is very different.

Arteries carry blood from the heart to the body.
Veins return blood from the body to the heart.
The heart i...

Read the Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot in the Lung) article »

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Arixtra User Reviews >>

Arixtra

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ARIXTRA
(fondaparinux sodium) Solution for Subcutaneous Injection

WARNING

SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMAS

Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients who are anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH), heparinoids, or fondaparinux sodium and are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include:

use of indwelling epidural catheters
concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, or other anticoagulants
a history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture
a history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery

Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic impairment. If neurologic compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary.

Consider the benefit and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis. [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS.]

DRUG DESCRIPTION

ARIXTRA (fondaparinux sodium) Injection is a sterile solution containing fondaparinux sodium. It is a synthetic and specific inhibitor of activated Factor X (Xa). Fondaparinux sodium is methyl O-2-deoxy-6-O-sulfo-2-(sulfoamino)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-D-glucopyranuronosyl-(1→4)-O-2-deoxy-3,6-di-O-sulfo-2-(sulfoamino)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-2-Osulfo-α-L-idopyranuronosyl-(1→4)-2-deoxy-6-O-sulfo-2-(sulfoamino)-α-D-glucopyranoside, decasodium salt.

The molecular formula of fondaparinux sodium is C₃₁H₄₃N₃Na₁₀O₄₉S₈ and its molecular weight is 1728. The structural formula is provided below:

ARIXTRA (fondaparinux sodium) Structural Formula Illustration

ARIXTRA (fondaparinux sodium) is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free injectable solution for subcutaneous use.

Each single-dose, prefilled syringe of ARIXTRA (fondaparinux sodium) , affixed with an automatic needle protection system, contains 2.5 mg of fondaparinux sodium in 0.5 mL, 5.0 mg of fondaparinux sodium in 0.4 mL, 7.5 mg of fondaparinux sodium in 0.6 mL, or 10.0 mg of fondaparinux sodium in 0.8 mL of an isotonic solution of sodium chloride and water for injection. The final drug product is a clear and colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a pH between 5.0 and 8.0.

What are the possible side effects of fondaparinux (Arixtra)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

pale skin, easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or any bleeding that will not stop;
drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite;
swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath;
urinating less than usual or not at all;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Arixtra »