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Fondaparinux - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Fondaparinux: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Fondaparinux?

Fondaparinux is a common blood thinner or anticoagulant. It helps treat deep vein thrombosis (DLT) by avoiding the formation of blood clots in the legs. Fondaparinux is also used to treat blood clots in the lungs. 

If the blood clots in the legs are not treated, they can travel to the heart, lungs, or brain, which may cause fatal issues like serious breathing problems, stroke, or a heart attack.

How does Fondaparinux work?

This drug is very similar to heparin, which works by blocking certain substances in the bloodstream that cause clotting.

It is also used to prevent blood clots after surgeries like hip fracture, knee, and hip replacement, which have a high risk of blood clot formation.

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What are the side effects of Fondaparinux?

The side effects of Fondaparinux are:

Anemia 

  • Itching
  • Insomnia 
  • Skin rash
  • Swelling 
  • Reaction at the site of injection
  • Decrease in blood platelets 
  • Lowered potassium in the blood 
  • Low blood pressure
  • Increased bleeding
  • Brown or purple blotches on the skin
  • Collection of blood outside blood vessels- hematoma 
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • And intense abdominal pain.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Fondaparinux

1. Is Fondaparinux an anticoagulant?

Yes, it is. It acts by blocking substances in the blood that lead to the clotting reaction. Fondaparinux, thus, is a drug of choice to treat DVT in the legs as well as clots in the lungs. It is also used to prevent blood clotting after surgeries like hip replacement that cause severe bleeding.

2. When to stop Fondaparinux before surgery?

Fondaparinux should be stopped 36-42 hours before a surgery that carries a high risk for hemorrhage or spinal anesthesia procedure. This drug is more commonly used after surgery to prevent blood clots, and the doctor may advise taking it 6 to 8 hours after a knee/hip replacement surgery and continuing.

3. What is the difference between Fondaparinux and Enoxaparin?

Fondaparinux belongs to a class of medications called Factor Xa inhibitors that work by reducing the ability of blood to clot, which may cause strokes.

Enoxaparin is used to prevent and treat blood clots. It helps blood flow smoothly through blood vessels by lowering the activity of clotting proteins in the bloodstream.

4. Is Lovenox A Fondaparinux?

Both Lovenox and Fondaparinux are used to prevent blood clots. Lovenox, though, is a specialized drug to prevent blood clots that cause the dangerous DVT.

The way the two drugs act is vastly dissimilar too. Fondaparinux is a Factor Xa inhibitor. Enoxaparin works by inhibiting a blood protein called Thrombin, preventing clotting.

5. Is Fondaparinux a LMWH?

No, Fondaparinux is not low molecular weight heparin (LMWHs), but Enoxaparin is. Fondaparinux is the first in a new breed of anticoagulants called Factor Xa inhibitors.

Both LMWHs and Factor Xa inhibitors do similar work but have slightly different mechanisms of actions, profiles, and contraindications and FDA safety indications.

6. Does Fondaparinux SODIUM Syringe interact with other drugs you are taking?

Yes, Fondaparinux Sodium injections are not taken together with a few selected anticoagulants, thrombolytics, antiplatelets/Mifepristone, other heparins, NSAIDS, Salicylates and a host of other medicines.

When taken together, these drugs may have serious interactions. Always consult your doctor before taking any medicine if you are on the anticoagulant Fondaparinux.

7. What special precautions should I follow?

Fondaparinux is given by injection under the skin of the stomach, usually once daily. Do take care that you don’t inject into a muscle.

Follow the doctor’s advice regarding the dosage and length of treatment. Use this drug regularly and inject at the same time daily to get the most benefit from it.

8. What should I know about storage and disposal of Fondaparinux medication?

Follow the instructions of your doctor on how to store this medicine. Store Fondaparinux injection out of reach of children and pets. Don’t freeze it.

Do not throw the unused injections in trash or flush the liquid down the toilet. Do only dispose of this medicine through a medicine take-back program.

9. Can pregnant women take Fondaparinux?

This is not recommended as the drug may be dangerous. There is a lack of sufficient safety data in humans but experts know enough about this drug to avoid medicating pregnant women. Do tell your doctor if you are pregnant, he will prescribe a less harmful blood thinner for you.

10. Can I take Fondaparinux while breastfeeding?

Using Fondaparinux while breastfeeding is not recommended, because there is an absence of sufficient human data. Research in animals shows it is excreted into animal milk. According to some researchers, this medicine can be used if really needed and the benefits of its use far outweigh the risk.

11. Can I consume alcohol with Fondaparinux?

You are recommended to continue your normal diet when on this blood thinner. You can have alcohol in moderation as it is safe, but only if you have no lung or kidney problems. Do confirm this with your doctor to be completely safe and healthy.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.