Clinical efficacy and safety of fondaparinux in the prevention and treatment of venous and arterial thrombosis

Abstract

Fondaparinux (Arixtra®) is a synthetic, selective Factor Xa inhibitor. Its pharmacokinetic profile allows once-daily subcutaneous administration of the drug without any laboratory monitoring. The benefit-to-risk ratio of fondaparinux in the prevention of venous thromboembolism has been extensively studied in both surgical and acutely ill medical patients at risk of thrombosis. Its efficacy and safety have also been investigated in the initial treatment of symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Finally, a number of Phase II trials investigated the safety and efficacy of fondaparinux in patients with acute coronary syndromes, and a large Phase III program is ongoing in this setting. This review focuses on the use of fondaparinux in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders.