Fondaparinux sodium is a blood-thinning medicine that reduces the formation of harmful blood clots in your body.
This medicine is used together with other medicines to treat deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the deep leg vein) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in a lung artery).
Fondaparinux sodium may also be used to prevent formation of blood clots in the deep leg vein in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, hip and knee replacement surgery.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Fondaparinux sodium is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or a caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of Fondaparinux sodium, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
How to use this medicine:
- Wash your hands with soap and water then dry them.
- Remove the syringe out of the box.
- Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
- Wipe the injection site with alcohol swabs and let it dry.
- Remove the needle shield. It is normal to see a small air bubble in this syringe. Do not try to remove this air bubble before making the injection.
- Gently pinch the skin at the injection site with one hand and pick up the syringe with other hand. Hold the syringe firmly by the finger grip and insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 45-degree angle using a quick dart like motion.
- Gently press the plunger all the way down until the syringe is empty.
- Slowly let go of the skin and gently pull the needle out of the skin.
- Place a cotton ball or gauze over the injection site and press for about 5 seconds.
- Dispose your used needles and syringes according to your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions. Do not throw away in household trash.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button).
Do not inject into inflamed or irritated skin.
Fondaparinux sodium must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Administer the dose as soon as you remember. If a dose of this medicine is missed, the next injection should be administered at the scheduled time.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe kidney disease
- active major bleeding
- bacterial heart infection
as Fondaparinux sodium may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- severe liver disease
- low body weight (<50 kg)
- bleeding disorders
- recent surgery on the brain, eye or spine
- stomach ulcer
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Do not participate in activities in which you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. You may need to have routine laboratory tests (e.g. CBC, platelet count, kidney function tests, blood in the faeces) while you are being treated with this medicine.
Fondaparinux sodium may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following: difficulty sleeping, confusion, and rash and irritation at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction e.g.swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- signs and symptoms of low potassium levels e.g. muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, fast or irregular heartbeat
- bleeding e.g. blood in urine, coughing up blood, bleeding gums, black or tarry stool, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or any severe or persistent bleeding
- signs and symptoms of low platelet count e.g. excessive bruising, red or purple discoloured spots on the skin
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any blood-thinning medicine e.g. apixaban, dabigatran.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Do not freeze.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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