Hemin (Intravenous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 16, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Panhematin

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Blood Modifier Agent

Uses for hemin

Hemin injection is used to reduce the repeated attacks of porphyria (blood disorder) in some women during their menstrual periods after other treatments (eg, carbohydrate therapy) did not work.

Hemin is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before using hemin

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 hemin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to hemin 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 performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hemin in children 16 years of age and older. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 16 years of age.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hemin in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving hemin.

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. When you are receiving hemin, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using hemin with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Bosentan
• Carbamazepine
• Dexamethasone
• Efavirenz
• Enzalutamide
• Etravirine
• Fosphenytoin
• Lumacaftor
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• Nafcillin
• Nevirapine
• Oxcarbazepine
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Prednisone
• Primidone
• Rifabutin
• Rifampin
• Ritonavir
• St John's Wort

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 ce...