Daily Medication Pearl: Fondaparinux Sodium (Arixtra)

Medication Pearl of the Day: Fondaparinux Sodium (Arixtra)

Indication: Fondaparinux sodium (Arixtra) is a Factor Xa inhibitor (anticoagulant) indicated for prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery (including extended prophylaxis), hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, or abdominal surgery; and treatment of DVT or acute pulmonary embolism when administered in conjunction with warfarin.

Insight:

• Dosing: Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis fondaparinux sodium 2.5 mg subcutaneously once daily after hemostasis has been established.
• Dosage forms: Single-dose, prefilled syringes containing 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg of fondaparinux.
• Adverse events: The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of fondaparinux sodium are bleeding complications. Mild local irritation (injection site bleeding, rash, and pruritus) may occur following subcutaneous injection.
• Mechanism of action: The antithrombotic activity of fondaparinux sodium is the result of antithrombin III (ATIII)-mediated selective inhibition of Factor Xa. By selectively binding to ATIII, fondaparinux sodium potentiates (about 300 times) the innate neutralization of Factor Xa by ATIII. Neutralization of Factor Xa interrupts the blood coagulation cascade and thus inhibits thrombin formation and thrombus development.

Source: Approved Label (fda.gov)