hemin

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Pronunciation: HEE min

Brand: Panhematin

What is the most important information I should know about hemin?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is hemin?

Hemin is made of red blood cells processed from human blood. Hemin works by lowering the production of a certain enzyme in the body.

Hemin is used to treat the symptoms of occasional attacks of porphyria related to the menstrual cycle in women. Hemin helps control symptoms such as pain, increased heart rate or blood pressure, and changes in mental status.

Hemin should not be used to treat porphyria that affects the skin, also called porphyria cutanea tarda.

Hemin is not a cure for porphyria. It will only control the symptoms of a porphyria episode.

Hemin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using hemin?

You should not use hemin if you are allergic to it.

To make sure hemin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • iron overload syndrome (hemochromatosis);
  • if you take iron supplements; or
  • if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Hemin is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether hemin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether hemin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Hemin should not be given to a child younger than 16 years old.

How should I use hemin?

Before you start treatment with hemin, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you are having an actual porphyria attack.

Hemin is usually given after other medicines to treat porphyria have been given for a certain amount of time.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Using too much hemin could harm your kidneys.

Hemin is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

For best results, start using hemin at the first sign of a porphyria attack.

You may need to use hemin once or twice per day for up to 2 weeks, depending on how your body responds to the medicine.

Hemin is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give an injection

After mixing the powder with the diluent, shake the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes.

Give the injection right away after mixing. Do not save it for later use. Throw away any unused mixture after one use. The hemin and diluent mixture does not contain a preservative.

While using hemin, you may need frequent blood and urine tests.

Store at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of hemin.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using hemin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of hemin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using hemin and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • swelling, pain, or irritation around the IV needle;
  • easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
  • little or no urinating; or
  • swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect hemin?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with hemin, especially:

  • a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
  • birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
  • a steroid medicine (prednisone, dexamethasone, and others); or
  • a barbiturate such as amobarbital, butabarbital, phenobarbital, or secobarbital.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with hemin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about hemin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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