Fondaparinux: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug Fondaparinux?

What is fondaparinux for?

Fondaparinux is a drug used to treat serious blood clots in the legs and / or lungs. It is usually used with another "blood thinner" drug (warfarin). If left untreated, the blood clot can travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, causing serious (possibly fatal) breathing problems, heart attack, or stroke. This medicine may also be used to prevent blood clots after certain surgeries by increasing the risk of blood clots (such as fractures, stomach problems, hip or leg replacement).

Fondaparinux is known as a "blood thinner" (anticoagulant). These drugs, such as toheparin, work by blocking certain natural substances in the blood that cause clots.

OTHER USES: This section lists uses for this drug that are not listed on approved labels, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

This medication can also be used to treat certain types of heart attack and a special type of chest pain called angina imbalance.

How do you use fondaparinux?

This medicine is given by injection through the skin of the stomach according to the doctor's instructions, usually once a day. Do not inject into muscles. Dosage and length of treatment depend on the medical condition and response to treatment. The dosage can also be based on your body weight. Use this remedy regularly for the best benefits. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time every day.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and instructions for use from your professional nurse and from the product packaging. Before using, check this product visually for contamination or discoloration. If it looks strange, don't use liquid. Do not mix with any other drugs in the same injection. Before injecting any medication, clean the injection with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection every time to reduce injury to the skin. To minimize bruising, do not rub the injection after injection. Learn how to store and dispose of medical materials safely.

When treating blood clots, another "blood thinner" (warfarin) is usually started within 3 days after you start taking fondaparinux. Your doctor will direct you to use both drugs until warfarin is working well. Do not stop using this drug until your doctor asks you to stop.

To prevent blood clots due to surgery, your doctor may direct you to start using this medicine after surgery (such as 6-8 hours after bone / leg replacement surgery) and continue for a few days. Follow your doctor's instructions clearly. Starting using this medicine too soon after surgery can increase the risk of serious bleeding.

This medicine can also be given by injection intravenously by a professional nurse, as directed by your doctor.

How to store fondaparinux?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Fondaparinux dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the fondaparinux dosage for adults?

Dosage that adults usually use for Deep Vascular Thrombosis

Dosage based on patient weight:
- Under 50 kg: 5 mg subcutaneously once a day
-50 - 100 kg: 7.5 mg subcutaneously once a day
-Over 100 kg: 10 mg subcutaneously once a day
Duration of therapy: at least 5 days, up to 2-3 INR obtained from warfarin

Dosage that adults use for Pulmonary Embolism

Dosage based on patient weight:
-Under 50 kg: 5 mg subcutaneously once a day
-50 - 100 kg: 7.5 mg subcutaneously once a day
-Over 100 kg: 10 mg subcutaneously once a day
Duration of therapy: at least 5 days, up to 2-3 INR obtained from warfarin

Dosage that adults usually use for Vascular Thrombosis in Prophylaxis after Abdominal Surgery

2.5 mg subcutaneously once daily after hemostasis is established, starting no later than 6-8 hours after surgery
Duration of therapy: 5 - 9 days

Dosage usually used by adults for Deep Vein Thrombosis - Prophylaxis

2.5 mg subcutaneously once daily after hemostasis is established, starting no later than 6-8 hours after surgery
Duration of therapy: 5 - 9 days

Dosage that adults use for Vascular Thrombosis in Prophylaxis after Hip Replacement Surgery

2.5 mg subcutaneously once daily after hemostasis is established, starting no later than 6-8 hours after surgery
Duration of therapy: 5 - 9 days

Usual adult dose for Vascular Thrombosis in Prophylaxis after Knee Replacement Surgery

2.5 mg subcutaneously once daily after hemostasis is established, starting no later than 6-8 hours after surgery
Duration of therapy: 5 - 9 days

What is the fondaparinux dosage for children?

The safety and effectiveness of Fondaparinux Sodium Solution in pediatric patients have not been established. As the risk of bleeding while treatment with Fondaparinux Sodium Solution increases in adults weighing less than 50 kg, there are certain safety concerns for the use of Fondaparinux Sodium Solution in the pediatric population.

In what dosage is fondaparinux available?

• Solution, Subcutaneous, as sodium: 2.5 mg / 0.5 mL, 5 mg / 0.4 mL, 7.5 mg / 0.6 mL, 10 mg / 0.8 mL
• Solution, Subcutaneous, as sodium: 2.5 mg / 0.5 mL, 5 mg / 0.4 mL, 7.5 mg / 0.6 mL, 10 mg / 0.8 mL

Fondaparinux side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to fondaparinux?

Seek emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using fondaparinux and contact your doctor immediately if you have serious side effects such as:

• unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or uterus), bleeding from a wound or needle, any bleeding that doesn't stop
• bruising easily, there are purple or red spots on the skin
• pale skin, feeling light or short of breath, fast heartbeat, problems with concentration
• black or bloody pup, coughing up blood or vomiting that looks like the color of coffee
• tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness (especially in the hands and arms)
• loss of movement in any part of the body
• sudden weakness, severe headache, confusion, or problems with speech, vision, or balance
• low potassium (confusion, unusual heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urine output, uncomfortable legs, feeling weak)

Less serious side effects may include:

• difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• mild skin rash
• dizzy
• minor bleeding, rash, or itching where the medicine was injected

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about the side effects please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Fondaparinux Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using fondaparinux?

Before injecting fondaparinux,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have a serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing or swallowing or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes) to fondaparinux. Your doctor may tell you not to use fondaparinux. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other drugs, or to any of the ingredients to fondaparinux injections. Ask the pharmacist for a list of ingredients. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to latex
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are using or will use. Be sure to mention the list of medications in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. Your doctor can change the dose of your medication or monitor you closely for side effects
• tell your doctor if you weigh 50 kg or less, have bleeding anywhere in your body or have a low platelet count (blood clotting cells) in your blood, endocarditis (infection of the heart), or kidney disease. Your doctor will probably tell you not to have fondaparinux injections
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an ulcer in your stomach or intestines, high blood pressure, stroke or mini-stroke (TIA), eye disease due to diabetes, or liver disease. Also tell your doctor if you have recently had brain, eye, or spinal surgery
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while on fondaparinux treatment, call your doctor
• If you are going to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are on fondaparinux injections.

Is fondaparinux safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Drug Interactions of Fondaparinux

What medicines may interact with fondaparinux?

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, and those you are starting or recently stopping while on fondaparinux treatment, especially other medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots, such as:

• abciximab, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, eptifibatide, ticlopidine, tirofiban
• alteplase, reteplase, tenecteplase, urokinase
• apixaban, argatroban, bivalirudin, dabigatran, desirudin, lepirudin, rivaroxaban
• dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, tinzaparin

The list above is not an exhaustive list. There are many other drugs that can interact with fondaparinux, including prescription and preventive drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Can food or alcohol interact with fondaparinux?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with fondaparinux?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• bleeding problems
• blood vessel problems
• insertion of a catheter in the spine
• eye problems due to diabetes
• hypertension (high blood pressure) that can't be controlled
• liver disease
• stomach problems
• stroke
• surgery (eye, brain, spine) - use with caution as the risk of bleeding may increase
• heart infection
• severe kidney disease
• large bleeding
• thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)
• weight less than 50 kg - should not be used in patients with this condition
• kidney disease - Use with caution, side effects may increase due to the slow removal of the drug from the body.

Fondaparinux overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.