Uses
Fondaparinux injection is used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT; a blood clot, usually in the leg), which can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE; a blood clot in the lung), in people who are having hip surgery, hip or knee replacement, or abdominal surgery. It is also used along with warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) to treat DVT or PE. Fondaparinux injection is in a class of medications called factor Xa inhibitors. It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood.
Side Effects Of Fondaparinux Injection
Fondaparinux injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- rash, itching, bruising or bleeding at the injection site
- dizziness
- confusion
- pale skin
- blisters on skin
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- dark red spots under the skin or in the mouth
- hives
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
Fondaparinux injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using fondaparinux injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have had a serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing or swallowing or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes) to fondaparinux. Your doctor will probably tell you not to use fondaparinux. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medications, or any of the ingredients in fondaparinux injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. Also, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to latex.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you weigh 110 pounds (50 kg) or less, are bleeding anywhere on your body, or have a low number of platelets (blood-clotting cells) in your blood, endocarditis (an infection in the heart), or kidney disease. Your doctor will probably tell you not to use fondaparinux injection.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ulcers in your stomach or intestines, high blood pressure, a stroke or ministroke (TIA), eye disease due to diabetes, or liver disease. Also tell your doctor if you have recently had a brain, eye, or spinal surgery.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking fondaparinux injection, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking fondaparinux injection.
Fondaparinux Injection Dosage
Fondaparinux injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) in the lower stomach area. It is usually given one time a day for 5 to 9 days or sometimes for up to about 1 month. You will probably begin using fondaparinux injection while you are in the hospital at least 6 to 8 hours after your surgery. Use fondaparinux injection at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use fondaparinux injection exactly as directed. Do not inject more or less of it or inject it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you will continue to use fondaparinux after your hospital stay, you can inject fondaparinux yourself or have a friend or relative perform the injections. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to inject it. Before you use fondaparinux injection yourself the first time, read the Patient Information that comes with it. This information includes directions for how to use and inject fondaparinux prefilled safety syringes. Be sure to ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about how to inject this medication.
Each syringe has enough medication in it for one shot. Do not use the syringe and needle more than one time. Your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider will tell you how to dispose of used needles and syringes safely.
Do not mix fondaparinux injection with other medications or solutions.
Other
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving fondaparinux injection.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
