Information and Steps for Administering ARIXTRA

How to Administer Subcutaneous ARIXTRA

ARIXTRA is administered by subcutaneous injection. It must not be administered by intramuscular injection.

Each syringe of ARIXTRA is affixed with an automatic needle-protection system. After injection, needle will automatically retract in to the built-in security sleeve, helping to eliminate the risk of needlestick injury.

Patients may self-inject as healthcare practitioner determines that it is appropriate. Proper training in subcutaneous injection administration should be provided.

Important points in the administration of ARIXTRA

  • Inspect ARIXTRA visually for any particular matter prior to injection.
  • To avoid loss of drug when using the prefilled syringe, do not expel the air bubble before the injection.
  • Administration if ARIXTRA should be made in the fatty tissue.
  • Administration sites of ARIXTRA should be alternating.

Steps for administering ARIXTRA

  1. Wipe the surface of the injection site with an alcohol swab.
  2. Twist the plunger cap and remove it.
  3. Hold the syringe with either hand and use your other hand to twist the rigid needle guard (covers the needle) counter-clockwise. Pull the rigid needle guard straight off the needle.
  4. Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site between your thumb and forefinger and hold it throughout the injection.
  5. Hold the syringe with your thumb on the top pad of the plunger rod and your next 2 fingers on the finger grips on the syringe barrel. Pay attention to avoid sticking yourself with the exposed needle.
  6. Insert the full length of the syringe needle perpendicularly into the skin fold held between the thumb and forefinger.
  7. Push the plunger rod firmly with your thumb as far as it will go. This will ensure you have injected all the contents of the syringe.
  8. When you have injected all the contents of the syringe, the plunger should be released. The plunger will then rise automatically while the needle withdraws from the skin and retracts into the security sleeve. Discard the syringe into the sharps container without replacing the rigid needle guard.
  9. You will know that the syringe has worked when:
    • The needle is pulled back into the security sleeve and the white safety indicator appears above the blue upper body
    • You may also hear or feel a soft click when the plunger rod is released fully

If you have additional questions regarding ARIXTRA, please call us at
1-866-ARIXTRA (1-866-274-9872).

Please see Important Safety Information and complete Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING
regarding epidural and spinal hematomas.