FONDAPARINUX SODIUM - INJECTION (Arixtra) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

fondaparinux sodium - injection, Arixtra (cont.)

HOW TO USE: This medicine comes with a Patient Information Leaflet. Read it carefully. Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to avoid problem areas under the skin.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix any other medication in the same injection.Inject this medication under the skin of the stomach/abdomen, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not inject into a muscle. To lower the risk of bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot.When treating a blood clot, another "blood thinner" (warfarin) is usually started within 3 days after you start using fondaparinux. Your doctor will direct you to use both of these medications until the warfarin is working well. Do not stop either of these medications until your doctor directs you to stop.To prevent blood clots due to surgery, your doctor may direct you to start using this medication (usually 6 to 8 hours after surgery) and continue for several days. Follow your doctor's directions closely. Starting this medication too soon after surgery may increase the risk of serious bleeding.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Dosage may also be based on your weight.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain, bruising, redness, and swelling at the injection site may occur. Headache, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the hands/feet, or fever may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising.This medication may rarely cause serious bleeding. (See also Warning section.) Tell your doctor immediately if any signs of serious bleeding occur, including: shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, cold/blue fingers or toes, unusual dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, joint/muscle pain, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), numbness/tingling, severe stomach/abdominal pain, bloody/black/tarry stool, red/pinkish urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, yellow eyes/skin.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: vision problems, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, seizures, difficulty moving, severe/persistent headache.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.