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Arixtra Information

Arixtra (Fondaparinux sodium) is used to prevent the occurrence of blood clots in the blood vessels of the legs or lungs for up to one month post-surgery in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery of the lower limbs (hip fracture, knee surgery or hip replacement surgery) and in patients undergoing abdominal surgery; to treat acute deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in a deep vein of the legs) and acute pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the blood vessels of the lungs); for the management of unstable angina (severe chest pain) and severe heart attack. Arixtra is a synthetic antithrombotic agent. An antithrombotic drug helps prevent clots from forming in the blood. Arixtra contains fondaparinux sodium that inhibits specifically a clotting factor and plays an important role in blood coagulation. It helps to prevent the development of unwanted blood clots in blood vessels and is useful in dissolving existing blood clots. The elimination half-life of Arixtra is 17 to 21 hours in healthy patients. Arixtra is available as Prefilled Syringes in dosages of 2.5 mg/0.5 ml, 5 mg/0.4 ml, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg/0.8 ml.

Arixtra Side Effects

The most common side effects of Arixtra may include bleeding problems; edema (swelling), insomnia; headache; nausea; itchy skin; low platelet count and fever. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• A low number of red blood cells (tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and feeling generally unwell);
• Bruises that are joining together;
• Bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• Easy bruising or bleeding from various sites (i.e., from an operation site, bruising, blood in urine and stool, an existing stomach ulcer, nosebleed);
• Low potassium level (leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling);
• Pain, swelling, or drainage from a wound or where a needle was injected in your skin;
• Urinary tract infection (pain or burning sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate, dark urine).

Arixtra Precautions

Do not use Arixtra if you are allergic to fondaparinux sodium or to any other ingredients in this medication or if you have thrombocytopenia (an abnormally small number of platelets in the blood); are bleeding excessively; suffer from bacterial infection of the heart. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you weigh less than 50 kg or are 65 years of age or older; have eye problems caused by diabetes; have an allergy to latex; bacterial infection of the heart; are bleeding excessively; have a risk of hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding); have had recent brain, spinal column or eye surgery; have liver or kidney disease; are pregnant or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. Many other drugs can increase your risk of bleeding when used with fondaparinux. Fondaparinux can cause you to bleed more easily. Call your doctor at once if you have signs of bleeding such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual periods, blood in your urine, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Fondaparinux can cause a very serious blood clot around your spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural). Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using fondaparinux. Limit alcohol while taking this drug because it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Do I need a prescription to order Arixtra?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Arixtra.