Description
Arixtra (fondaparinux) is a prescription injectable medication given to prevent blood clots in adults having hip fracture surgery, hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, or abdominal surgery. It is also used to treat blood clots in the legs or lungs when given with warfarin.
Classified as an anticoagulant medication, Arixtra works by thinning the blood to prevent or decrease the clotting of blood.
Arixtra is available in single-dose, prefilled syringes that contain 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg of fondaparinux sodium.
Fact Table
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Formula
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C31H43N3O49S8
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License
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US FDA, EMA
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Bioavailability
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100% (Subcutaneous)
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Legal status
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Prescription only (Rx)
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Chemical Name
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Fondaparinux
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Elimination half-life
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17-21 hours
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Dosage (Strength)
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2.5 mg/0.5 mL, 5 mg/0.4 mL, 7.5 mg/0.6 mL, 10 mg/0.8 mL in pre-filled syringes
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Pregnancy
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Consult a doctor
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Brands
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Arixtra
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Protein binding
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94%
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PubChem CID
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3081362
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MedlinePlus
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a603022
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ChEBI
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CHEBI:50664
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ATC code
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B01AX05
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DrugBank
|
DB00569
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KEGG
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D08018
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Routes of administration
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Subcutaneous (SC)
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Directions
Use Arixtra as your doctor has directed. For product use information, including storage, refer to the medication guide that accompanies your prescription.
Your doctor will tell you how much Arixtra you should use, depending on how much you weigh and the reason for requiring the medication. A healthcare provider will teach you or a caregiver how to prepare, administer, and discard Arixtra appropriately.
Arixtra is given as a subcutaneous injection underneath the skin of the abdomen.
If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Arixtra is fondaparinux sodium.
Inactive ingredients include sodium chloride and water for injection. Arixtra may also include sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid for balancing the pH.
Contraindications
Patients with any of the following conditions should not receive Arixtra blood thinner:
- Severe kidney problems
- Major active bleeding
- Bacterial infection in certain areas of the heart (heart valves)
- Low platelet counts associated with an in vitro test that is positive for anti-platelet antibody with fondaparinux sodium use
- Weight less than 50 kg if needing Arixtra for blood clot prevention
- Have had a serious hypersensitivity reaction to Arixtra, like angioedema or anaphylaxis
Cautions
Arixtra contains the following FDA Boxed Warning:
- Epidural or spinal hematomas (blood accumulation in the space that compresses the spinal cord) that may cause paralysis that can last a long time or never go away can develop in patients receiving low molecular weight heparins, heparinoids, or fondaparinux sodium with neuraxial anesthesia or when undergoing spinal puncture. These risks should be considered when patients are being scheduled for spinal procedures. Factors that may increase these risks include:
- Indwelling epidural catheters
- Receiving medications that impact blood clotting, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, or other anticoagulants
- History of epidural or spinal puncture that was traumatic or repeated
- History of a deformity or surgery of the spine
- Patients should be frequently monitored for signs and symptoms of neurological effects. Urgent treatment is necessary if neurological disturbances are observed.
- The benefits and risks should be considered in patients who are anticoagulated or will be receiving anticoagulants to prevent blood clots before they receive neuraxial intervention.
- Before you begin receiving Arixtra injections, talk to your doctor about:
- All the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take
- Your allergies
- Your current health problems and past medical history
- Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Arixtra is associated with the following warnings and precautions:
- Spinal or epidural hematomas that potentially result in paralysis that lasts for a long time or does not go away
- Increased risk of severe bleeding in patients who have risk factors for bleeding and are receiving Arixtra
- Increased risk of bleeding in patients with kidney problems and who weigh less than 50 kg
- Low platelet counts
- Complete blood counts, serum creatinine, and stool occult blood tests are recommended to be performed routinely
- The needle guard of the syringe has dry natural rubber, which can cause allergic reactions in people with an allergy to latex
Side Effects
Bleeding problems are the most serious side effects of Arixtra; however, other side effects may also occur. Immediately tell your doctor about any side effects that bother you or won’t go away.
Looking for a competitive Arixtra cost? You can buy Arixtra right here.
References:
- Arixtra. Morgantown, WV: Mylan Institutional LLC; 2020.
- Arixtra. Dublin, Ireland: Viatris Healthcare Limited; European Medicines Agency; 2007.
- Fondaparinux (Rx). Medscape.
- Spinal Subdural or Epidural Hematoma. Rubin M: Merck Manual; 2023.
About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)
Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 10140