Fondaparinux comparable to LMWHin preventing venous thromboembolism

Fondaparinux (Arixtra, Organon/Sanofi-Synthelabo) is at least as effective and safe as the low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) dalteparin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following major abdominal surgery, according to results from the Pentasaccharide in General Surgery Study (PEGASUS). Fondaparinux is the first and only synthetic selective Factor Xa inhibitor indicated for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).