Plasma (Intravenous)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Octaplas

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Blood Modifier Agent

Uses for plasma

Plasma injection is used as a replacement of multiple coagulation (clotting) factors in patients with acquired deficiencies due to liver disease, or undergoing heart surgery or liver transplant. Plasma is also used in plasma exchange in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

Plasma is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before using plasma

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For plasma, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to plasma or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of plasma injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of plasma injection in the geriatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of plasma. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Allergy to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or plasma-derived products (eg, plasma protein), history of or
• Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency or
• Protein S deficiency, severe—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

• Bleeding problems or
• Heart failure or
• Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)—Use with caution. May cause side effects to become worse.

• Liver disease—Use with caution. May increase risk for more serious side effects.

• Liver transplant—Patients with this condition should be monitored for increased bleeding.

Proper use of plasma

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you plasma...