Hemin

Generic name: Hemin
Brand names: Panhematin
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (350 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous uncategorized agents

Usage of Hemin

Hemin is made of red blood cells processed from human blood. Hemin works by lowering the production of a certain enzyme in the body.

Hemin is used to treat the symptoms of occasional attacks of porphyria related to the menstrual cycle in women. Hemin helps control symptoms such as pain, increased heart rate or blood pressure, and changes in mental status.

Hemin should not be used to treat porphyria that affects the skin, also called porphyria cUTAnea tarda.

Hemin is not a cure for porphyria. It will only control the symptoms of a porphyria episode.

Hemin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Hemin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Hemin may cause serious side effects. Stop using hemin and call your doctor at once if you have:

swelling, pain, or irritation around the IV needle;

easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);

little or no urinating; or

swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Hemin

You should not use hemin if you are allergic to it.

To make sure hemin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

iron overload syndrome (hemochromatosis);

if you take iron supplements; or

if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Hemin is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

It is not known whether hemin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether hemin passes into breast milk or if it could affect a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Hemin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Hemin

Usual Adult Dose for Porphyria:

1 to 4 mg/kg/day IV over at least 30 minutes for 3 to 14 days based on clinical signs; in more severe cases, this dose may be repeated no earlier than every 12 hours-Maximum dose: 6 mg/kg per 24 hoursUses: -This drug is indicated for the amelioration of recurrent attacks of acute intermittent porphyria temporally related to the menstrual cycle in susceptible women; pain, hypertension, tachycardia, abnormal mental status, and mild to progressive neurologic signs may be controlled in patients with this disorder-Similar findings have been reported in other patients with acute intermittent porphyria, porphyria variegata, and hereditary coproporphyria (this drug is not indicated in porphyria cutanea tarda)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Porphyria:

16 years and older:1 to 4 mg/kg/day IV over at least 30 minutes for 3 to 14 days based on clinical signs; in more severe cases, this dose may be repeated no earlier than every 12 hours-Maximum dose: 6 mg/kg per 24 hoursUses: -This drug is indicated for the amelioration of recurrent attacks of acute intermittent porphyria temporally related to the menstrual cycle in susceptible women; pain, hypertension, tachycardia, abnormal mental status, and mild to progressive neurologic signs may be controlled in patients with this disorder-Similar findings have been reported in other patients with acute intermittent porphyria, porphyria variegata, and hereditary coproporphyria (this drug is not indicated in porphyria cutanea tarda)

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Hemin

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;

a steroid medicine--prednisone, Dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others; or

a barbiturate--Butabarbital, phenobarbital, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with hemin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Disclaimer

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