This medication is used to treat and prevent bleeding in
people with certain conditions (such as hemophilia type A or B, low levels
of factor VII, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia). People with these conditions
are at risk for bleeding longer after an injury/surgery and for bleeding
inside the body (especially into the joints and muscles). This product
contains a man-made form of factor VIIa, which is a protein (clotting
factor) in the blood that works with other clotting factors to help the
blood clot and stop bleeding.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this medication 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 as
directed by your doctor, usually every 2 to 6 hours until no longer needed.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to
treatment.
Do not inject the mixing solution directly into the
medication powder because this may cause the medication to become
ineffective. Aim the syringe so that the water flows gently down the side
of the vial. Do not shake the vial. Gently swirl the mixture until all the
powder has dissolved. Do not mix this medication with any other
drugs.
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 for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to
store and discard medical supplies safely.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
See also Warning Section.
Fever, headache, pain/redness/irritation at the
injection site, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting 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:
- swelling ankles/feet
- new or worsening bleeding/bruising
- new or worsening joint pain/swelling
- fast/slow heartbeat
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
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 VIIa, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; 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 bleeding/clotting problems (such as disseminated
intravascular coagulation-DIC)
- blood vessel problems (such as atherosclerosis)
- recent serious infection in the blood
- recent serious injury
Newborns may be at greater risk for blood clots while
using this drug.
Older adults may be at greater risk for blood clots
while using this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug 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.
This product should not be given at the same time as
certain other clotting factor products (activated and non-activated
prothrombin complex concentrates).
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 clotting time tests,
factor VII activity) should be done while you are using this medication.
Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. 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.
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.
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).