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Fondaparinux: uses, side effects & brands
Fondaparinux is an injectable anticoagulant for clot prevention and treatment. It belongs to the Injectable blood thinner (heparin) group. These fast-acting injectable anticoagulants prevent and treat clots.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Injectable blood thinner (heparin) |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Preventing clots after hip or knee surgery
- Treating deep vein thrombosis and lung clots
- Some types of heart attack and unstable angina
- Superficial vein clots in the legs
Common brand names
- India: Arixtra, Fondaparin
- Worldwide: Arixtra
Common side effects
- Bleeding or bruising
- Injection-site reactions
- Anaemia
Before taking it — precautions
- Not suitable in severe kidney disease
- Tell the doctor about low body weight or bleeding problems
- Take care with other blood thinners and NSAID painkillers
When to see a doctor urgently
- Black stools, vomiting blood or blood in urine (urgent)
- Severe headache or sudden weakness (urgent)
- Back pain, leg numbness or weakness after an epidural (urgent)
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of fondaparinux depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Is fondaparinux a heparin?
It works through the same pathway as heparin but is a synthetic, separate medicine.
Can it be used if I've had heparin-induced low platelets?
Doctors sometimes use it in that situation, as it rarely causes this problem. Your specialist decides.
Why does kidney function matter?
It is cleared by the kidneys, so poor kidney function raises bleeding risk.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.