Details

Fondaparinux is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots. Fondaparinux is used to prevent a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). A DVT can occur after certain types of surgery. Fondaparinux is also used together with warfarin to treat DVT, including pulmonary embolism. You should not use fondaparinux to prevent blood clots after surgery if you weigh less than 50 kilograms. Fondaparinux may cause you to bleed more easily, especially if you have a bleeding disorder that is inherited or caused by disease hemorrhagic stroke eye problems caused by diabetes uncontrolled high blood pressure stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcer recent brain, spine, or eye surgery kidney disease (especially if you are an older adult) or if you take a salicylate (aspirin, choline salicylate, diflunisal, magnesium salicylate, salsalate, and others). Fondaparinux can cause a very serious blood clot around your spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anaesthesia (epidural). This type of blood clot could cause long-term paralysis.

Typical Uses

Fondaparinux is used to treat serious blood clots in the legs and/or lungs. It is usually used with another "blood thinner" medication (warfarin). If untreated, blood clots can travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, causing serious (possibly fatal) breathing problems, heart attack, or stroke. This drug may also be used to prevent blood clots after certain surgeries with an increased risk of blood clots (such as hip fracture, abdominal, knee/hip replacement). Fondaparinux is known as a "blood thinner" (anticoagulant). It is a drug similar to heparin that works by blocking certain natural substances in the blood that cause clotting. This medication may also be used to treat certain types of heart attack and a specific type of chest pain called unstable angina.

Side Effects

Get immediate medical assistance if you have symptoms of a spinal blood clot such as back pain, numbness or muscle weakness in your lower body, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Other side effects of fondaparinux include unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), bleeding from wounds or needle injections, any bleeding that will not stop easy bruising, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds sudden weakness, severe headache, confusion, or problems with speech, vision, or balance or low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, limp feeling).

Drug Interactions

• Fondaparinux+abciximab- Using abciximab together with fondaparinux may increase the risk of bleeding, including severe and sometimes fatal haemorrhage. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Fondaparinux+anagrelide- Using anagrelide together with fondaparinux may increase the risk of bleeding, including severe and sometimes fatal haemorrhage. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Fondaparinux+bromfenac- Using fondaparinux together with bromfenac may increase the risk of bleeding, including severe and sometimes fatal haemorrhage. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Fondaparinux+clopidogrel- Using clopidogrel together with fondaparinux may increase the risk of bleeding, including severe and sometimes fatal haemorrhage. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Fondaparinux+diclofenac- Using fondaparinux together with diclofenac may increase the risk of bleeding, including severe and sometimes fatal haemorrhage. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Fondaparinux+heparin- Using heparin together with fondaparinux may increase the risk of bleeding, including severe and sometimes fatal haemorrhage. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Mechanism of action

Fondaparinux belongs to anti-coagulants class of medication. It works by prevents the formation of new clots as well as worsening of the existing clots.

Pregnancy Category : B