This medication is used to prevent, treat, and control
bleeding episodes in people with little or no factor IX (due to hemophilia
B, Christmas disease). Factor IX is a protein normally found in the blood
that helps the blood to thicken (clot) and stop bleeding. People with
little or no factor IX are at risk for bleeding longer after an
injury/surgery or bleeding suddenly (often in the joints/muscle) without an
obvious cause. This medication contains a man-made form of factor
IX.
This medication is given by injection into a vein over
several minutes as directed by your doctor. After first receiving this
medication in a hemophilia treatment center or hospital, some people may be
able to give it to themselves at home. If your doctor directs you to use
this medication at home, read the Patient Information Leaflet and
Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start
using this medication and each time you get a refill. Learn all preparation
and usage instructions in the product package. Learn how to store and
discard medical supplies safely. If you have any questions, ask your health
care professional.
The medication in the vial and the supplies that come
with the medication should be used only once. Do not reuse. If the
medication and the solution used to mix it were refrigerated, bring both to
room temperature before mixing. After adding the solution to the powder,
gently swirl the mixture to completely dissolve the powder. Do not shake.
Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either
is present, do not use the liquid.
The dosage is based on your medical condition (amount
and location of bleeding), weight, and response to
treatment.
Tell your doctor right away if your bleeding does not
stop or if this medication stops working well.
Swelling, pain, or irritation at the injection site may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of kidney disease (such as change in the amount of
urine, frothy urine, loss of appetite, tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain,
muscle loss)
This medication may rarely cause blood clots (such as
heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs). Get medical help
right away if you have:
- shortness of breath/rapid breathing
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- unusual sweating
- confusion
- sudden dizziness/fainting
- pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
- sudden/severe headaches
- trouble speaking
- weakness on one side of the body
- sudden vision changes
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using factor IX, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to factor IX products; or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other clotting disorders (such as disseminated intravascular
coagulation-DIC)
- recent surgery/procedure
- liver disease
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- drugs that help with clotting (such as aminocaproic acid,
tranexamic acid)
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as factor IX activity)
may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
If more than one dose is needed, it is important to
follow the dosing schedule as directed by your doctor. If you miss a dose,
ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not
double the dose to catch up.
Store the unmixed vial in the refrigerator. Do not
freeze. Keep the medication in the original box to protect from light. The
unmixed vial may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the
medication is stored at room temperature, do not put it back in the
refrigerator and discard after 6 months. After the powder is mixed into
solution, use it within 4 hours and discard any unused portion. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).