Fondaparinux injection

What is this medication?

FONDAPARINUX (FON da PAR in ux) is used after knee, hip, or abdominal surgeries to prevent blood clotting. It is also used to treat existing blood clots in the lungs or in the veins.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Arixtra

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•bleeding disorders, hemorrhage, or hemophilia

•infection of the heart or heart valves

•kidney or liver disease

•previous stroke

•recent surgery or child birth

•ulcer in the stomach or intestine, diverticulitis, or other bowel disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to fondaparinux, heparin, low molecular weight heparins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Stopping this medicine may increase your risk of a blot clot. Be sure to refill your prescription before you run out of medicine.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

•heparin

•mifepristone

•warfarin

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•antiinflammatory drugs like ibuprofen

•cilostazol

•clopidogrel

•dipyridamole

•sulfinpyrazone

•ticlopidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. It is important not to miss any appointments.

If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your healthcare professional that you are taking this medicine.

Avoid sports and activities that might cause injury while you are using this medicine. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your healthcare professional.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose
• signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as chest pain; shortness of breath; pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg
• signs and symptoms of a stroke such as changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of coordination

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.