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Arixtra
Available by prescription, Arixtra is a drug licensed to treat and prevent blood clots. This medication comes in the form of an injection and is administered just under the skin once daily. It works by slowing down clot formation, allowing the body to break down the clots naturally. Potential side effects may include bleeding and skin reactions.
Arixtra® (fondaparinux sodium) is a prescription medication approved to prevent and treat blood clots. It is taken by injection just below the skin.
(Click Arixtra Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Arixtra is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
Arixtra works by inhibiting a specific clotting factor known as factor Xa (pronounced "ten A"). It is more selective than heparin (including both unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparins), which inhibits other clotting factors as well. Notably, this medication does not affect blood platelets. It is not a heparin medication.
Like other "blood thinners," Arixtra does not break down clots. Instead, it slows down clot formation, giving the body a chance to break down the clots naturally.
Some general considerations include the following:
- This medication is given as an injection just under the skin (as a subcutaneous injection) once a day.
- The injections are usually given in the fatty layer on the abdomen (the "stomach" area).
- If you are in a hospital, a healthcare provider will probably administer the injection. However, you may be sent home with this medication, in which case you or a caregiver must administer the injections.
- Make sure your healthcare provider shows you exactly how to inject Arixtra.
- Do not inject this medication into a muscle. It should be injected into the fat layer under the skin.
- For this drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. You may be increasing your risk for serious problems if you stop taking it too soon.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD