Tag: Factor xa inhibitors

Up to 900,000 people in the United States are affected by venous thromboembolism (VTE) each year, making prevention critical [1.9.1]. So, what drugs are approved for VTE prophylaxis? Key medications include heparins and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) [1.3.3, 1.4.1].

The International Normalized Ratio (INR) was developed as a standardized measure specifically to monitor the effects of vitamin K antagonists, not all anticoagulants. Knowing **which anticoagulant affects INR** and which do not is a critical distinction that directly impacts patient monitoring and safety.

While both fondaparinux and heparin are injectable anticoagulants used to prevent and treat blood clots, they have distinct pharmacological properties. **Is fondaparinux the same as heparin?** The answer is no, due to fundamental differences in their origin, mechanism of action, monitoring requirements, and risk profiles.