Panhematin
Generic name:hemin [ HEE-min ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous uncategorized agents
What is Panhematin?
Panhematin is made of red blood cells processed from human blood. This medicine works by lowering the production of a certain enzyme in the body.
Panhematin is used to treat the symptoms of occasional attacks of porphyria related to the menstrual cycle in women. This medicine helps control symptoms such as pain, increased heart rate or blood pressure, and changes in mental status.
Panhematin should not be used to treat porphyria that affects the skin, also called porphyria cutanea tarda.
Panhematin is not a cure for porphyria. It will only control the symptoms of a porphyria episode.
Panhematin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Panhematin if you are allergic to it.
To make sure Panhematin 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.
Panhematin 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.
It is not known whether Panhematin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether hemin passes into breast milk or if it could affect a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Panhematin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.
How should I use Panhematin?
Before you start treatment with Panhematin, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you are having an actual porphyria attack.
Panhematin 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 P...
