What is Arixtra used for?
Arixtra is used to reduce the risk of blood clots in the
deep veins of the legs and thighs. These clots may break off
and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Patients at
risk for these complications include those undergoing:
- hip fracture surgery,
- hip replacement surgery,
- knee replacement surgery,
- abdominal surgery who are already
at risk of blood clot complications
Arixtra also is used with warfarin to treat:
·
blood clots in the veins
·
blood clots that have broken off and traveled
to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) when the patient is first
treated in the hospital
Who should not be given Arixtra?
Arixtra should not be given to patients who:
- have severe kidney problems
- weigh less than 110 pounds (50kg)
- have bleeding anywhere
- have a heart infection (bacterial endocarditis)
- have a history of Arixtra causing the blood to have low
platelets (thrombocytopenia)
- are allergic to Arixtra or to any of the ingredients in
Arixtra
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these
conditions.
Special Warning(s) with Arixtra:
Arixtra and other medicines like it can cause bleeding into
the spine when used in patients who have received epidural or
spinal anesthesia, or any spinal injection. Bleeding in the
spine can cause long term or permanent paralysis.
Arixtra, like other medicines that prevent the blood from
clotting, is given with extreme caution to people who have
conditions that have an increased risk of bleeding, such as:
- bleeding disorders
- ulcerative colitis and other bleeding disorders in the
stomach and intestines
- bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke)
- recent brain, spinal, or eye surgery
- taking other medicines that prevent the blood from
clotting
General Precautions with Arixtra:
Certain other medicines can increase the risk of bleeding
with Arixtra. Tell your healthcare provider about all the
medicines you take, including prescription and
non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Especially, tell your health care provider if you are taking:
- blood thinners
- aspirin
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
(Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Naprosyn or Aleve)
What should I tell my doctor or healthcare provider?
Tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- bleeding problems, any recent bleeding, or if you bleed
easily
- high blood pressure
- a recent stomach ulcer
- eye problems due to diabetes
- kidney problems
- had a stroke
What are some possible side effects of Arixtra?
(This list is NOT a complete list of side effects reported
with Arixtra. Your healthcare provider can discuss with you a
more complete list of side effects.)
The most common side effect with Arixtra is bleeding.
For more detailed information about Arixtra, ask your
healthcare provider.
Link to Arixtra's label
Back to Drug Index
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