What is Hemin?
Hemin is made from red blood cells that have been processed out of human blood. Hemin lowers the body's production of an enzyme.Hemin can be used to treat symptoms of porphyria in women who experience menstrual cycles. Hemin is used to control symptoms like pain, an increased heart rate, or high blood pressure.Hemin is not recommended for the treatment of porphyria, which affects the skin.Hemin does not cure porphyria. Hemin will only treat the symptoms associated with a porphyria attack.Hemin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Hemin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Hemin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Inflammation, swelling, or pain around the IV needle
- Easy bruising and bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums);
- Little or no urinating is acceptable.
- Feeling short of breath, swelling, and rapid weight gain
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider. To report side effects anonymously to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 is another way.
Similar/related drugs
chlorpromazine, thorazine, givlaari, panhematin, and givosiran
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to hemin, it is best not to use it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Hemin will be safe for you:
- Iron overload syndrome (hemochromatosis);
- If you take iron supplements;
- If you are taking a blood thinner (warfarin coumadin jantoven) and have routine "inr", or prothrombin-time tests,
Hemin is made of human plasma, which can contain viruses and other infectious agents. Plasma donated is treated and tested to reduce the possibility of it being infected, but it is still possible that it can transmit disease. Speak to your doctor about any risks or benefits associated with using this medication.Hemin is not known to harm unborn babies.Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or considering becoming pregnant.Hemin is not known to pass into breast milk or whether it can affect a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child.Hemin should not be used by anyone under the age of 16.
How to take Hemin?
Your doctor may order tests before you begin treatment to ensure that you have a true porphyria episode.Hemin is usually given after porphyria has been treated with other medications for a period of time.Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for longer than recommended.Hemin can damage your kidneys if you use too much.Hemin is administered through an intravenous route. It is possible that you will be taught how to use the IV at home. You should not administer this medication to yourself if you don't know how to inject the medicine and dispose of needles and IV tubing.should begin using hemin as soon as a porphyria outbreak is detected.You may have to take hemin twice a day or once a day, depending on your response to the medication.
Hemin is a powder that must be mixed with a liquid before use. You should know how to mix and store injections if you use them at home.Only prepare your dose when you're ready to inject.Shake the mixture for two to three minutes after mixing the powder and diluent.Do not wait to inject the mixture. Don't save the mixture for later. After one use, throw away any mixture that is not used. The mixture of diluent and hemin does not contain any preservatives.You may need to have frequent blood and urine tests while using Hemin.Store away from moisture, heat, and cold at a cool temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for porphyria:
In severe cases, this dose can be repeated every 12 hours.
Maximum dose: 6 mg/kg per 24 hours
Uses:
This drug is indicated to treat recurrent attacks in women with acute intermittent porphyria that are related to their menstrual cycle. Patients may also experience pain, hypertension, and tachycardia. They can also control mild-to-progressive neurologic symptoms.
Similar findings have also been reported by other patients with porphyria intermittente, porphyria variegata, and hereditary coproporphyria. (This drug is not indicated for porphyria tarda.)
Usual pediatric dose for porphyria:
16 years and older
The dose can be adjusted to 1 to 4 mg/kg/day over 30 minutes, depending on the clinical signs. In more severe cases, this dose should not be repeated for more than 12 hours.
Maximum dose: 6 mg/kg per 24 hours
Uses:
This drug is indicated to treat recurrent attacks in women with acute intermittent porphyria that are related to their menstrual cycle. Patients may also experience pain, hypertension, and tachycardia. They can also have mild-to-progressive neurologic symptoms.
Similar findings have also been reported by other patients with porphyria intermittente, porphyria variegata, and hereditary coproporphyria. (This drug is not indicated for porphyria tarda.)
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take a dose, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop using any of your current ones.
- Hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills
- A blood thinner—warfarin, coumadin, or jantoven
- A steroid medicine—prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others;
- A barbiturate—butabarbital, phenobarbital, and others.
This list is incomplete. Hemin may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
