factor ix, human recombinant - injection, Benefix

BRAND NAME(S): Benefix

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to prevent or control bleeding in people with little or no factor IX (due to hemophilia B, Christmas disease). Factor IX is a protein (clotting factor) in the blood that works with other clotting factors to help the blood clot and therefore 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 should not be used to treat other types of factor deficiencies (e.g., factors II, VII, VIII, X) or factor problems (e.g., inhibitor to factor XIII), to reverse the effects of "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), or to treat bleeding from low levels of liver-dependent clotting factors (due to liver problems).

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using factor IX and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.This medication is given by injection into a vein over several minutes as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition (e.g., amount and location of bleeding), weight, and response to treatment.If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.The medication in the vial and the supplies that come with the medication should be used only once. Do not reuse.For some brands, it is important to limit the amount of blood entering the tubing and to avoid letting any blood enter the syringe. You may need to use a new vial of medication and new set of supplies if this occurs. Consult your pharmacist for details.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Fever, pain at injection site, chills, headache, flushing, weakness, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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: swelling at injection site, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, change in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles/feet, pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs, new or increased bleeding/bruising.Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: bluish fingers, chest pain, trouble breathing.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.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using factor IX, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to factor IX products; or to hamster protein; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex), 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 (e.g., disseminated intravascular coagulation-DIC), recent surgery/procedure, liver disease.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: 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 include: drugs that help with clotting (e.g., tranexamic acid).

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., factor IX activity) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. 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.MEDICAL ALERT: 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).

Information last revised September 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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