What is panhematin?
Panhematin is a component of red blood cells that is extracted from human blood. It works by reducing the production of a specific enzyme that is produced by the body.
Panhematin can be used to treat the symptoms that accompany occasional episodes of porphyria due to the menstrual cycle in women. This medication helps to manage symptoms like the feeling of pain, an increase in blood pressure or heart rate, as well as changes in mental health.Panhematin is not recommended to treat porphyrias that affect the skin, which are also known as Porphyria cutanea tarda.
Panhematin does not provide an effective treatment for porphyria. It can only help to control some of the signs and symptoms associated with a porphyria-related episode.Panhematin can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline for medication.
Side effects of Panhematin
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat,
Panhematin can cause severe adverse effects. Stop using the drug and consult your doctor immediately in the event that you experience:
- Swelling or pain on the needle
- Bleeding or easy bruising (nosebleeds and bleeding gums);
- Minimal or no urination little or no urination
- Swelling and weight gain rapid swelling and rapid weight gain.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow all the instructions on your prescription label and the package. Be sure to inform your health care providers about your medical issues, allergies, and the medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to apply panhematin if you are allergic to it.
To ensure that panhematin is suitable for you, inform your doctor if:
- Iron overload syndrome (hemochromatosis);
- if you take iron supplements;
- If you take blood thinners (Warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven) and you're undergoing regular "INR" or prothrombin time tests,
Panhematin is a component of the human plasma (part of the blood), which could be contaminated with infections and viruses. Plasma donated to the clinic is examined and treated to decrease the possibility of it containing infectious agents; however, there is a possibility that it may transmit diseases. Discuss with your physician the potential risks and benefits of this drug.
It isn't known if panhematin harms unborn babies. Inform your physician if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.
It is unclear if Hemin gets into breast milk or whether it affects a nursing infant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding your baby.Panhematin has not been approved to be used by anyone younger than 16 years of age.
How to take Panhematin?
Before starting treatment with panhematin, your doctor will conduct tests to make sure that you're having an actual attack of porphyria.
Panhematin is usually given after other treatments for porphyria are given for a specific duration.Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Do not take this medication in greater or lesser quantities or for longer periods than prescribed.In excess, panhematin can affect your kidneys.
Panhematin is injected into a vein via an IV. It is possible to be taught how to administer an IV at home. Do not inject yourself with this medication if you do not know how to apply the injection properly, and eliminate IV tubing, needles, and any other devices that are used.To get the best result, start using panhematin as soon as you notice an attack of porphyria.
You might need to take panhematin twice or once every day for up to two weeks, depending on how your body reacts to the medication.Panhematin is a powdered medicine that needs to be mixed with liquid (diluent) prior to use. If you're taking infusions at home, make sure that you know how to mix and store the medication.Make your dose only once you are ready for an injection.When you have mixed the powder and the diluent, shake up the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes.
Use the injection immediately after mixing. Do not store it to use later. Discard any unusable mixture after one use. The mixture of diluent and panhematin is not a preservative.When you are taking panhematin, it may require regular blood and urine tests.Keep cool and dry, far from heat and moisture.
What happens If I miss a dose?
Contact your physician for advice. If you have missed the dose of panhematin.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the doctor's advice regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or activity.
Interaction with other drugs
Inform your doctor about all your medications currently in use and any new medications you begin or stop using, in particular:
- birth control pills, and hormone replacement treatment.
- 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 comprehensive. Other drugs can interact with Hemin, including medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all drugs are mentioned in this medication guide.
