WHAT IS THIS MEDICINE AND
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Arixtra 7.5 mg contains fondaparinux
sodium and is used to TREAT (not prevent) existing blood clots. This dose is
prescribed for patients weighing between 50–100 kg who have been diagnosed with
deep vein thrombosis (DVT — a blood clot in the leg) or pulmonary embolism (PE
— a blood clot in the lung). It is given alongside warfarin tablets until the
warfarin takes effect and stabilises the blood.
3. HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE
Inject once daily under the skin of the
lower abdomen. The correct dose is weight-based: 5 mg if you weigh less than 50
kg, 7.5 mg (this product) if you weigh 50–100 kg, and 10 mg if you weigh more
than 100 kg. Continue the injection for at least 5 days and until your warfarin
blood test (INR) is in the target range of 2–3. A nurse or pharmacist can show
you how to self-inject.
|
💡
PATIENT TIP: Not suitable for severe
kidney disease (CrCl <30 mL/min). Elderly patients over 65 years have
reduced kidney clearance and may need closer monitoring. Kidney function must
be checked before and during treatment. |
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
|
How Common? |
Side Effects to Know About |
|
Common (>1 in 10) |
Bruising or bleeding at
the injection site, anaemia, low potassium, nausea, vomiting, mild fever |
|
Less Common |
Low platelet count
(thrombocytopenia), raised liver enzymes, skin rash, dizziness |
|
Seek Medical Help |
Serious or
life-threatening bleeding (seek emergency help for: blood in urine/stools,
vomiting blood, sudden severe headache, weakness). Severe allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing, swelling of face). Spinal haematoma if combined with
spinal anaesthesia. |
5. WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS
MEDICINE
Severe kidney disease (CrCl <30
mL/min), active major bleeding, bacterial endocarditis, thrombocytopenia caused
by fondaparinux, allergy to fondaparinux.
|
⚠
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: BLEEDING RISK: No specific
antidote exists for fondaparinux. Medical teams may use recombinant Factor
VIIa in severe bleeding emergencies. Report any unusual bleeding immediately.
MONITOR KIDNEYS: Renal
function should be checked before and periodically during treatment. ELDERLY PATIENTS: Higher
risk of bleeding due to age-related kidney decline — closer monitoring
required. |
6. MEDICINES THAT INTERACT
WITH THIS TREATMENT
Using fondaparinux with aspirin,
ibuprofen, naproxen (NSAIDs), clopidogrel, warfarin, or other anticoagulants
greatly increases bleeding risk. Your doctor will manage the warfarin dose
alongside the injections. Always inform healthcare providers of all medicines
you are taking.
7. HOW TO STORE THIS
MEDICINE
Store at room temperature (15°C–30°C).
Do not freeze. Keep in original packaging. Single-use syringe — dispose of
safely after each injection.
8. PRESCRIPTION REQUIREMENT
|
Status |
Prescription Only Medicine
(POM) |
9. GUIDANCE FOR PATIENTS
& CAREGIVERS
This injection treats a blood clot you
already have. You will also take warfarin tablets during this treatment —
regular blood tests (INR checks) will tell your doctor when the injections can
stop. Inject into the fatty tissue of the lower abdomen and rotate sites daily.
Seek immediate medical help if you notice any unusual bleeding, blood in your
urine or stools, severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden leg
weakness. Tell every doctor, nurse, and dentist you see that you are on blood
thinners.
10. PHARMACIST &
PRESCRIBER NOTES
|
Clinical Dispensing Notes |
7.5 mg is a TREATMENT dose
(not prophylaxis). Confirm patient weight is 50–100 kg. Ensure warfarin is
co-initiated and INR monitoring is planned. Monitor FBC, INR, and renal
function throughout course. No reversal agent — counsel on bleeding
recognition and when to seek emergency help. Educate on self-injection
technique if patient is self-administering. |
11.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How long will I need the Arixtra
injections for?
A: Usually at least 5 days, and until
your warfarin INR blood test reaches the target level (2–3). Once the warfarin
is working properly, the injections can be stopped.
Q: Do I need to have blood tests while
using Arixtra?
A: Yes — you will need regular INR tests
to monitor your warfarin levels, and your doctor will also check your kidney
function and platelet count during treatment.
Q: What if I accidentally inject too
much Arixtra?
A: Seek medical help immediately. There
is no specific antidote, but doctors have methods to manage serious bleeding
emergencies. Do not try to manage an overdose at home.
Q: Can fondaparinux be used in
pregnancy?
A: Fondaparinux crosses the placenta and
its safety in pregnancy is uncertain. It may be used in specific circumstances
when other options are not suitable, under specialist supervision. Always tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Q: Can I shower or swim with the
injection site?
A: Yes, normal bathing and showering are
fine. Avoid rubbing the injection site vigorously. If the site bleeds, apply
gentle pressure with a clean cloth.