February 27, 2017
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"If you are currently or recently hospitalized, recovering from surgery, or being treated for cancer, you are at increased risk of developing serious and potentially deadly blood clots. This condition, called healthcare-associated venous thromboem"...



Arixtra Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Arixtra

Generic Name: fondaparinux (Pronunciation: fon DAP a rin ux)

What is fondaparinux (Arixtra)?

Fondaparinux is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots.


Fondaparinux is also used together with warfarin (Coumadin) to treat DVT, including pulmonary embolism.

Fondaparinux may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of fondaparinux (Arixtra)?


Stop using fondaparinux and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
  • numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness (especially in your legs and feet);
  • loss of movement in any part of your body;
  • sudden weakness, severe headache, confusion, or problems with speech, vision, or balance; or

Less serious side effects may include:

  • sleep problems (insomnia);
  • mild skin rash;
  • dizziness; or
  • minor bleeding, rash, or itching where the medicine was injected.


Read the Arixtra (fondaparinux sodium) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects

What is the most important information I should know about fondaparinux (Arixtra)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to fondaparinux, heparin, or pork products, or if you have active bleeding, severe kidney disease, an infection in the lining of your heart, or a low level of platelets in your blood after testing positive for a certain antibody while using fondaparinux.

Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using fondaparinux. If you need anesthesia for a medical procedure or surgery, you may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

You should not use fondaparinux to prevent blood clots after surgery if you weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kilograms).

Fondaparinux may cause you to bleed more easily, especially if you have: a bleeding disorder, hemorrhagic stroke, eye problems caused by diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcer, recent brain or spine surgery, recent eye surgery, or if you are an older adult who has kidney problems.

Fondaparinux can cause a very serious blood clot around your brain or spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural), especially if you have a genetic spinal defect, a history of spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps, or if you are using other medications to treat or prevent blood clots. Symptoms of this type of blood clot include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or loss of movement.

Blood clots around the brain or spinal cord may occur during a spinal tap or epidural if you are using fondaparinux with other drugs that can affect blood clotting, including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin, and any other medications to treat or prevent blood clots.

Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can increase your risk of bleeding or life-threatening blood clots, and it is very important to tell your doctor about all medicines you have recently used.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have signs of bleeding such as black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, confusion, feeling like you might pass out, or any bleeding that will not stop.

Side Effects Centers

Arixtra - User Reviews

Arixtra User Reviews


Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Arixtra sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

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