Arixtra
(fondaparinux)
Thins the blood and treats blood clots.
Our bottom line
Arixtra (fondaparinux) is effective at treating clots, but it can increase your risk of bleeding.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (fondaparinux)
Upsides
- Arixtra (fondaparinux) is effective at treating blood clots in the extremeties and those that have travelled to the lungs.
- A generic form is available.
- Arixtra (fondaparinux) is a safe option for use in patients who have experienced a rare, life-threatening reaction to another anticoagulant, heparin.
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What to expect from Arixtra, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Arixtra (fondaparinux) should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, as this can lead to an accumulation of the medication and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Arixtra (fondaparinux) can cause a drop in platelet count, which can increase your risk of bleeding.
- People who have any type of spinal or epidural procedure are more likely to have bleeding problems around the spine when taking Arixtra (fondaparinux).
- Periodic blood tests and monitoring of your kidneys is important.
- You have to inject yourself everyday with this medication.
- The anti blood-clotting effects of Arixtra (fondaparinux) may remain for up to 4 days after stopping this medication in normal patients, and there is no current antidote.
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What to expect from Arixtra, on one page
Download Fact SheetArixtra (fondaparinux) inhibits factor Xa, a component of the blood clotting pathway that prevents blood clot formation.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (fondaparinux)
Used for
- Treatment of blood clots
- Revascularization following heart attack
- Treatment of other blood clots
Dosage forms
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon
$934.99 - CostcoGet free coupon$1128.14
What to expect when you take Arixtra (fondaparinux) for Treatment or prevention of blood clots
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Anemia
- Difficulty sleeping
- Post-operative bleeding
- Injection site bleeding
- Rash
Side effect rates for Arixtra (fondaparinux)
- Major bleeding2%2%
- Bleeding index >/= 22%2%
- Minor bleeding2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Arixtra.
People taking Arixtra felt side effect more
People taking Arixtra felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Arixtra (fondaparinux)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Indwelling epidural catheters
- › Use of other medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other anticoagulants
- › History of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture
- › History of spinal surgery
Arixtra (fondaparinux) can cause spinal/epidural bloot clots if you are also receiving anesthesia or undergoing spinal procedures. These blood clots may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. You will be monitored frequently for signs and symptoms of impaired mental function, such as partial or complete paralysis, muscle weakness, loss of sensation, or pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication prevents deep vein thrombosis in people undergoing surgery, including hip fracture surgery, hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery and abdominal surgery who are at risk for thromboembolic complications.Common concerns from people taking Arixtra (fondaparinux)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Arixtra (fondaparinux) can cause a drop in platelet count, which can increase your risk of bleeding.
- Arixtra (fondaparinux) can cause many interactions, talk with your doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
- Arixtra (fondaparinux) can cause further complications with existing bleeding, heart infection, or poor kidney function. Talk to your doctor before starting this medication if you have any of these conditions.
- Arixtra (fondaparinux) should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, as this can lead to an accumulation of the medication and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Periodic blood tests and monitoring of your kidneys is important.