Hemin
Generic name: hemin [ HEE-min ]
Brand name: Panhematin
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (313 mg; 350 mg)
Drug class:Miscellaneous uncategorized agents
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.
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 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.
It is not known whether hemin 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.
Hemin is not approved for use by anyone 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...
