Comprehensive medication guide to Fondaparinux including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$20–$100 copay; generally covered as generic, prior authorization may be required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$300–$2,500 for a course of treatment; as low as $83–$315 with GoodRx or SingleCare discount cards for generic versions.
Medfinder Findability Score
55/100
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Fondaparinux is a synthetic selective Factor Xa inhibitor used as an anticoagulant (blood thinner) to prevent and treat blood clots. It's approved for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing hip, knee, or abdominal surgery, and for treating acute DVT and pulmonary embolism. Unlike heparin, Fondaparinux is given as a once-daily subcutaneous injection and does not require routine blood monitoring. The brand name is Arixtra, but generic versions are widely available.
Fondaparinux is a synthetic pentasaccharide that selectively binds to antithrombin III, enhancing its natural ability to inhibit Factor Xa by approximately 300-fold. By blocking Factor Xa, it interrupts the blood coagulation cascade and prevents thrombin formation and subsequent clot development. Unlike heparin, Fondaparinux does not directly inhibit thrombin (Factor IIa), making it more selective and potentially causing fewer bleeding complications than traditional heparins.
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2.5 mg/0.5 mL prefilled syringe (DVT prophylaxis)
5 mg/0.4 mL prefilled syringe (treatment, patients <50 kg)
7.5 mg/0.6 mL prefilled syringe (treatment, patients 50-100 kg)
10 mg/0.8 mL prefilled syringe (treatment, patients >100 kg)
Fondaparinux has experienced intermittent supply disruptions, with certain strengths (particularly 2.5 mg and 7.5 mg) having limited availability from some manufacturers. The medication has a findability score of 55/100, indicating moderate availability challenges. Supply issues stem from the limited number of generic manufacturers and the complexity of producing this synthetic pentasaccharide anticoagulant. Check with multiple pharmacies or use Medfinder to locate available stock.
Fondaparinux is typically prescribed by specialists including hematologists, orthopedic surgeons, general surgeons, cardiologists, and vascular medicine physicians. Internal medicine doctors, hospitalists, pulmonologists, and emergency medicine physicians may also prescribe it for blood clot prevention and treatment. The medication is usually started in a hospital or surgical setting, though patients can be trained to self-inject at home for extended therapy.
No, Fondaparinux is not a controlled substance and does not require a DEA number for prescribing. However, it is a prescription-only medication that requires careful monitoring for bleeding complications. Some insurance plans may classify it as a specialty medication, and prior authorization may be required for certain uses or extended treatment durations.
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Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
Low molecular weight heparin, more widely available
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
Oral Factor Xa inhibitor, convenient pill form
Apixaban (Eliquis)
Oral anticoagulant with favorable bleeding profile
Dalteparin (Fragmin)
Another injectable LMWH option
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Warfarin and other anticoagulants
moderateIncreased bleeding risk
NSAIDs and aspirin
moderateEnhanced bleeding potential
Platelet inhibitors
moderate(clopidogrel, prasugrel) — Additive antiplatelet effects
SSRIs and SNRIs
moderateModerate bleeding risk increase
Herbal supplements
moderate(garlic, ginger, ginkgo) — May enhance anticoagulation
Fondaparinux is an effective anticoagulant for preventing and treating blood clots, particularly valuable for patients who cannot use heparin. While supply disruptions have created availability challenges, generic versions offer significant cost savings over the brand. The once-daily injection schedule and lack of required blood monitoring make it convenient for outpatient use. Work with your healthcare provider and pharmacist to ensure consistent access, and consider using Medfinder to locate available stock when supplies are tight.
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