Fondaparinux sodium - Subcutaneous

Fondaparinux sodium is a blood-thinning medicine that reduces the formation of harmful blood clots in your body.

This medicine is used to treat deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in a lung artery).

Fondaparinux sodium may also be used to prevent the formation of blood clots in the leg veins or lung arteries of individuals undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery, leg or abdominal surgery.

This medicine may also be used to treat certain types of angina (chest pain which occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood supply) or heart attack.

Fondaparinux sodium 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 thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area).

Your doctor or nurse will administer this medicine for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of Fondaparinux sodium, you or your caregiver may do the administration.

To administer the medicine, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water then dry them.
2. Remove the syringe from the box.
3. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
4. Wipe the injection site with alcohol swabs and let it dry.
5. Remove the needle shield. Do not touch the needle and do not allow the needle to come in contact with any surface. It is normal to see a small air bubble in this syringe. Do not try to remove this air bubble before making the injection.
6. Gently pinch the skin at the injection site with one hand and pick up the syringe with the other hand. Hold the syringe firmly by the finger grip and insert the full length of the needle into the pinched skin at a 45-degree angle using a quick dart-like motion.
7. Gently press the plunger all the way down until the syringe is empty.
8. Release the plunger (the needle will automatically withdraw from the skin). Slowly let go of the skin.
9. Place a cotton ball or gauze over the injection site and press for about 5 seconds.
10. 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).

Fondaparinux sodium must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.

Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• active major bleeding
• bacterial heart disease
• low body weight (<50 kg)
• severe kidney disease

as Fondaparinux sodium may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• bleeding disorders
• recent surgery on the brain, eye or spine
• recent bleeding in the brain
• stomach ulcer
• severe liver disease
• mild to moderate kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Fondaprinux sodium to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, serum creatinine) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of bleeding may also be needed.

Fondaparinux sodium may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, confusion, rash, bruising, and itching.

Some side effect may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• bleeding e.g. blood in urine, coughing up blood, bleeding gums, black or tarry stool, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or any severe or persistent bleeding

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 using other blood-thinning medicines such as heparin and desirudin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using 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.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.