LIFE DRUG INDEX

Arixtra preventing the formation of harmful blood clots, especially after hip, knee, or abdominal surgery. Arixtra is also used with warfarin to treat blood clots in the leg or lungs.

Arixtra is used for

Do NOT use Arixtra if

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Arixtra.
• you have severe kidney problems, a heart infection (eg, bacterial endocarditis), or severe bleeding problems, or you are actively bleeding.
• you weight less than 110 pounds (50 kg) and are using Arixtra to treat a blood clot in the lungs or legs.
• you weight less than 110 pounds (50 kg) and will be having hip or knee replacement surgery or abdominal surgery, or you have had a hip fracture.

Before using Arixtra

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances (eg, latex).
• if you have a history of blood or bleeding problems (eg, low platelets), bleeding in the brain or stroke, or ulcers, or if you have recently had brain, eye, or spine surgery.
• if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, kidney problems, or eye problems caused by diabetes (eg, diabetic retinopathy), or if you weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kg).

• Activated protein C (eg, drotecogin alfa), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), direct factor Xa inhibitors (eg, rivaroxaban), direct thrombin inhibitors (eg, dabigatran), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen), platelet inhibitors (eg, clopidogrel), or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because they may increase the risk of bleeding.

How to use Arixtra

• Arixtra is usually given as an injection at your doctors office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Arixtra at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Arixtra . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use Arixtra if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Use the proper technique taught to you by your doctor. Inject deep under the skin, NOT into muscle.
• Use a different injection site each day to prevent problems at the injection site (eg, hematomas).

Important safety information

• Arixtra may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Arixtra before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, kidney function tests, and stool blood tests, may be performed while you use Arixtra . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Arixtra with caution in the ELDERLY, they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially bleeding.
• Arixtra should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN, safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Arixtra while you are pregnant. It is not known if Arixtra is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Arixtra , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Arixtra