Arixtra Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Blood Clots

Blood clots are essential in stopping bleeding and blood loss as a result of injury or trauma. However, in some cases, blood clots may form when blood does not flow properly in the body. Patients with a condition like atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis can experience problems with blood clots. Some surgical procedures may also increase the risk of blood clots.

Symptoms of blood clots in the extremities include swelling, redness, and pain. While these are not life-threatening, they should still be treated. Blood clots that travel to the lungs, heart, or brain can cause very serious and possibly fatal problems like heart attack and stroke.

Arixtra Active Ingredient

Arixtra contains the active ingredient fondaparinux, which belongs to a class of drugs known as anticoagulants, or blood thinners. It is similar to the drug heparin. It blocks certain natural substances in the blood, which normally cause clotting.

Generic Arixtra Alternative

Generic alternatives to Arixtra are not yet available on this website.

General Drug Information

What is Arixtra and What Is It Used For?

Arixtra is delivered in the form of an injection to treat serious blood clots. If left untreated, blood clots can travel to the lung, heart, or brain, causing serious and possibly fatal conditions. Arixtra is often used in combination with other blood thinners, for example, warfarin.

This medication is sometimes prescribed after certain surgeries – hip fracture, knee or hip replacement, abdominal surgery – which carry an increased risk of blood clot formation.

Usage and Application

Arixtra should be administered exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment. It may also be based on weight.

The injection should be given under the skin (subcutaneously) of the stomach, as directed by the treating physician, usually once a day. Patients should not inject this medicine into a muscle (intramuscularly).

Patients who have been directed to administer the medication via an injection under the skin should learn all preparations and user instructions from their healthcare professional. Read the product package carefully.

Before using, check the vial for any particles or discoloration. Should any of these be present, do not use the vial. Do not mix any other medication in the same injection. Learn how to safely store and discard medical supplies.

Before injecting a dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the site so as to lessen skin injuries. To reduce bruising, do not rub the site after you have administered the injection.

Patients should use this medication regularly in order to get its full benefit. To prevent forgetting, administer the injection at the same time each day.

Arixtra is commonly used with another blood thinner – warfarin. The medication is usually started within three days of starting Arixtra treatment. Do not stop either of the two medications until directed to do so by the treating physician.

Patients who have undergone surgery may receive Arixtra injections afterward. This usually happens six to eight hours after a knee or hip replacement surgery and continues for several days. Patients should follow the doctor’s instructions carefully. Starting Arixtra treatment too soon after surgery may increase the risk of serious bleeding.

Considerations Before Taking Arixtra

Before sourcing Arixtra and starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to the medication. The natural rubber or latex in the needle cover may also cause allergic reactions.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history: high blood pressure, kidney disease, seizures, stroke, bleeding ulcer, colitis, diabetic retinopathy, and a heart infection, known as bacterial endocarditis.

Patients should also report low platelet count because of antiplatelet antibody, as well as bleeding problems (low blood count or platelets). The treating physician should be made aware of any past blood clotting problems – like heparin-induced thrombocytopenia – caused by the medication heparin.

The patient should also discuss any recent spinal procedures or puncture and any spinal problems or deformities. Recent eye, brain or spine surgeries should be mentioned, too. People with body weight less than 110 pounds (50 kilograms) should be monitored more closely when taking this medication.

Before surgery or certain dental procedures, patients should tell their doctor or dentist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products they are taking.

Patients should limit alcohol as it increases the risk of stomach bleeding.

To avoid bleeding or bruising, apply caution when using sharp objects and avoid contact sports.

Older adults are likely to be more sensitive to some negative side effects of Arixtra, especially bleeding.

Arixtra should only be used when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risk and benefits with your doctor and notify them immediately if you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Arixtra should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up on the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Arixtra

Drug interactions may change the way Arixtra works, increasing the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor.

Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some medications – such as mifepristone (used to induce abortion) – may interact negatively with Arixtra. The same applies to other drugs that increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Examples include the antiplatelet clopidogrel (e.g. Plavix), blood thinners like Xarelto, and NSAIDs such as Toradol.

Patients should also note that some products – pain reliever and NSAIDs – may contain ingredients that increase the risk of bleeding when used together with Arixtra. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

However, patients who have been directed by their doctor to take low doses of aspirin (up to 325 milligrams a day) to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, should continue to follow these directions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This document does not contain a full list of all possible interactions. Please consult with your physician before buying Arixtra online.

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to use Arixtra without serious negative side effects.

Common side effects include pain, bruising, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Patients may also experience a headache, fever, vomiting, and swelling of the hands and/or feet. Consult your doctor should these effects persist or worsen.

Serious side effects include easy bruising and bleeding, dark urine and yellow eyes and/or skin. Contact your doctor immediately in the event of such symptoms.

In rare cases, this medication may cause serious bleeding. Symptoms include: shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, and irregular heartbeat. Patients may also complain of cold or blue fingers and/or toes, pain in the joints or muscles, and confusion. Additional symptoms include severe stomach pain, bloody stools, red or pinkish urine, and vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Patients should seek immediate medical help in the event of symptoms like a headache, vision problems, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, seizures, and difficulty moving.

Serious allergic reactions to Arixtra are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Arixtra

Arixtra should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Syringes can only be used once. Discard after use.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.