Fondaparinux

What is Fondaparinux?

Fondaparinux inhibits the activity of some substances that cause blood clotting. Fondaparinux prevents a blood clot known as deep venous thrombosis, which can cause blood clots to form in the lungs. DVTs can develop after certain types of surgery. Fondaparinux can be used in conjunction with warfarin (Coumadin or Jantoven) for the treatment of DVT and pulmonary embolism. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Fondaparinux.

Side effects of Fondaparinux

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.Be wary if any of the following symptoms arise: lower back pain; numbness, muscle weakness or changes to bladder or bowel functions. Seek medical attention immediately!

Fondaparinux may cause you to bleed easily. If you experience any signs of bleeding, such as:

• Easy bruising and bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums, heavy menstrual bleeding)
• Pain, swelling, or drainage where an injection was made or a wound is present;
• Uncontrolled bleeding from any source - be it from an injury or injection - must stop.
• Headaches, dizziness, weakness and feeling as though you may pass out;
• Urine that has red, pink or brown colors;
• Bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Call your doctor immediately if you:

• Feeling of Lightheadedness.
• Low sodium levels may result in symptoms like leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, increased thirst, increased urine production or urinary tract infection; muscle weakness; or an overall weak feeling.
• Low red blood cells, or anemia, can cause pale skin, unusual fatigue, feeling lightheaded, shortness of breath, and cold hands and/or feet.
• Low potassium: leg pain, constipation, irregular heartbeats, increased thirst or urination, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
• Low red blood cells, or anemia, can cause pale skin, a feeling of being light-headed, shortness of breath, a rapid pulse rate, and difficulty concentrating.

Some of the common side effects associated with fondaparinux include:

• Bleeding, bruising;
• Sleep problems (insomnia);
• Rash, blisters;
• Dizziness, confusion;
• Minor bleeding, rash, or itching where the medicine has been injected.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice about possible side effects, call your physician directly. Alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report these incidents.

Similar/related drugs

Eliquis, Warfarin, Xarelto, Apixaban, Heparin, Enoxaparin, and Rivaroxaban

Warnings

If you are experiencing active bleeding, have severe kidney disease, have an infection on the heart lining, or if your platelets in blood drop after a positive test for a specific antibody, then fondaparinux should be avoided. If you weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kg), you should not take fondaparinux following surgery. Fondaparinux may cause you to bleed easily. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of bleeding. These include: bleeding gums or nosebleeds; heavy menstrual bleeding or abnormal vaginal bruising; blood in urine or bloody stools. When used in conjunction with Fondaparinux, many other medications can increase the risk of bleeding. Inform your doctor of all medications you've recently taken. Fondaparinux may cause a serious blood clot to form around your spinal cord when you receive an epidural or spinal tap. Inform any doctor treating you that you use fondaparinux.

Before you take this drug

This medicine should not be used if:

• Active or uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe kidney disease
• An infection of the heart lining (also known as bacterial endocarditis);
• A low level of blood platelets after a positive test for an antibody when using fondaparinux

If you weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kg), then fondaparinux is not recommended to prevent blood clots following surgery.

If you have a spinal tap or are given spinal anesthesia via epidural, Fondaparinux may cause a serious blood clot. This type of blood clot can cause paralysis for a long time. It is more likely to happen if you:

• You have a spinal deformity that is genetic.
• You have had a spinal cath.
• You have had spinal surgery before, or you've had repeated spinal taps.
• You have recently undergone a spinal tap or an epidural.
• You are taking an NSAID, such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin.
• You are taking other medications to prevent or treat blood clots.

Tell your doctor about any of the following:

• A bleeding disorder caused by a disease or inherited
• A stroke;
• Diabetes can cause eye problems.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Stomach or intestinal bleeding;
• Brain, spine, or eye surgery
• Allergy to latex
• Liver or kidney disease

Use of fondaparinux in pregnancy can cause bleeding to the mother and the unborn child. Inform your physician immediately if you think you might be pregnant. Breast-feeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.

How to take Fondaparinux?

You will need to take Fondaparinux every day for a few days until the bleeding improves. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Follow the directions on the label. Fondaparinux can be injected into the skin. Your healthcare provider should demonstrate how to take the medication correctly. Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not understand the instructions, don't use fondaparinux. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor. During the injection, you should either be seated or lying down. Don't inject fondaparinux into a muscle, vein, or blood vessel. Never prepare an injection before being ready to administer it, especially if its color has changed or it contains particles. To find new medication, contact your pharmacist directly.

Your healthcare provider will tell you where to inject Fondaparinux. Each time you inject, use a new place.Do not repeatedly inject Fondaparinux in the same location. Doing so may make bleeding easier even for minor injuries, and seek medical assistance immediately if bleeding does not stop. Tell your doctor or dentist that you're taking this medication before you undergo any medical procedures, such as dental work or surgery. You may have to temporarily stop taking fondaparinux if you require anesthesia. During the use of fondaparinux, you may need frequent blood and stool tests. You may also be required to test your nerve and muscle function. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Only use needles and syringes once before placing them in a puncture-proof "sharps container", according to local or state laws on how to properly dispose of them, keeping the container out of reach from pets and children.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dosage. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help. An overdose can lead to excessive bleeding.

What should be avoided?

Avoid any activities that could increase your risk of injury or bleeding. Before shaving or brushing your teeth, take extra precautions to prevent bleeding.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:

• Any other medication to treat or prevent blood clots
• A blood thinner—heparin warfarin (Coumadin or Jantoven);
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and Indomethacin are all NSAIDs.

This list is incomplete, and other drugs can also affect fondaparinux. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.