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Brand Names: Arixtra

Generic Name: fondaparinux (Pronunciation: fon DAP a rin ux)

• What is fondaparinux (Arixtra)?
• What are the possible side effects of fondaparinux (Arixtra)?
• What is the most important information I should know about fondaparinux (Arixtra)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fondaparinux (Arixtra)?
• How should I use fondaparinux (Arixtra)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Arixtra)?
• What happens if I overdose (Arixtra)?
• What should I avoid while using fondaparinux (Arixtra)?
• What other drugs will affect fondaparinux (Arixtra)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is fondaparinux (Arixtra)?

Fondaparinux prevents the formation of blood clots.

Fondaparinux is used to prevent blood clots. It is often used in people who have undergone certain types of surgery.

Fondaparinux may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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;
• weakness or fainting;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• sudden numbness, weakness, headache, confusion, or problems with speech, vision, or balance; or
• low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• mild skin rash;
• dizziness; or
• minor bleeding, rash, or itching where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about fondaparinux (Arixtra)?

You should not use fondaparinux if you weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kilograms), or if you have severe kidney disease, active bleeding, a low level of platelets in your blood, or an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis).

Before using fondaparinux, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially kidney disease, hemophilia, a bleeding stomach ulcer, eye problems caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of stroke, and any recent surgeries.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Fondaparinux should not be injected into a muscle or a vein.

If you undergo a spinal tap or any type of spinal anesthesia (such as an epidural), tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using fondaparinux. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time before having such procedures.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as easy bruising, bleeding that will not stop, urinating less than usual or not at all, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, or problems with speech, vision, or balance.