Fondaparinux: Side Effects, Precautions, Dosage and Medicine
Fondaparinux (Arixtra) is a synthetic anticoagulant made up of five monomeric sugar units and an O-methyl group at the molecule's reducing end. When cleaved into monomeric units, it resembles the polymeric glycosaminoglycans heparin and heparan sulphate (HS). Fondaparinux prevents the activity of some blood clotting factors. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a form of blood clot that can lead to blood clots in the lungs. Fondaparinux is used to avoid DVT (pulmonary embolism). Following certain types of surgery, a DVT may develop. DVT, like pulmonary embolism, is treated with fondaparinux in combination with warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
Fondaparinux Uses
In patients who are undergoing hip surgery, hip or knee replacement, or abdominal surgery, fondaparinux injection is used to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT; a blood clot in the leg), which can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE; a blood clot in the lung). It's also used to treat DVT and PE when combined with warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Fondaparinux belongs to the class of medications called factor Xa inhibitors. This works by increasing the clotting ability of the blood.
Fondaparinux Side effects
Some of the common side effects of Fondaparinux are:
- Rash
- Itching
- Bruising
- Dizziness
- Pale skin
- Blisters on skin
- Difficulty while falling asleep
Some of the serious side effects of Fondaparinux are:
- Unusual bleeding
- Bruising
- Dark red spots
- Hives
- Swelling of face, throat and tongue
- Difficulty in swallowing
Fondaparinux can cause some serious side effects. Avoid using the medicine if you feel any adverse effects and contact your doctor immediately. The doctor might change the prescribed dose or medicines looking at your side effects.
Precautions
Before using Fondaparinux talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using Fondaparinux talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as infection in the heart, bleeding ulcer, low platelet count because of antiplatelet antibody, blood problems, heparin, high blood pressure, kidney disease, seizures, stomach and intestinal problems.
How to use Fondaparinux?
Fondaparinux injection is a liquid solution that is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) in the lower stomach. It is usually given once a day for 5 to 9 days, but it may be given for up to a month. Fondaparinux injection will most likely be initiated when you are still in the hospital, at least 6 to 8 hours after your surgery. Do not administer more or less of it, or inject it more often than your doctor has prescribed. If you intend to continue using fondaparinux after your hospital stay, you can inject it yourself or have a friend or relative do it for you. Request that your doctor or pharmacist explain how to inject the drug to you or the person who will be injecting it.
Read the Patient Details that comes with fondaparinux injection before using it for the first time. Instructions for using and injecting fondaparinux prefilled safety syringes are included in this paper. If you have any concerns about how to inject this drug, contact your pharmacist or doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, do so as soon as you recall. If the next dose is coming, skip the skipped dose. Take the next dose at the same time every day. To catch up, do not double the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed fondaparinux tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Consider the advantages and drawbacks of treatment, as well as potential risks to a foetus, when administering fondaparinux to a pregnant woman due to the mechanism of action and associated known risk of bleeding. There is no information about whether fondaparinux is found in human milk, how it affects a breastfed infant, or how it affects milk production. Consider the developmental and health advantages of breastfeeding, as well as the mother's therapeutic need for therapy and any possible fondaparinux or underlying maternal disorder side effects on the breastfed infant.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperaturebetween 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Fondaparinux vs Heparin:
Fondaparinux |
Heparin |
|---|---|
| Fondaparinux belongs to the class of medications called factor Xa inhibitors. This works by increasing the clotting ability of the blood. | Heparin solutions are used in small amounts for preventing blood clots from forming in cathers which are left in veins over a period of time. |
| Fondaparinux (Arixtra) is a synthetic anticoagulant made up of five monomeric sugar units and an O-methyl group at the molecule's reducing end. | Heparin is a prescription drug that comes as a self-injectable solution that is injected under your skin. This also comes as a solution that healthcare provider injects intravenously. |
Some of the common side effects of Fondaparinux are:
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Some of the common side effects of Heparin are:
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