Factor VIIa
Factor VIIa, Recombinant injection
What is factor VIIa, recombinant injection?
FACTOR VIIa, RECOMBINANT (NovoSeven®) is a man-made protein that is similar to a natural protein in your body and helps blood to clot. Recombinant factor VIIa helps to prevent or control bleeding in patients with hemophilia A or hemophilia B who have clotting factor inhibitors. Recombinant factor VIIa may also be used to treat bleeding in patients with factor VII deficiency or in select patients who have other types of bleeding problems. Recombinant factor VIIa is sometimes abbreviated as “rFVIIa”.
What should my health care professional know before I receive recombinant factor VIIa?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- hardening of the arteries
- thrombosis
- other coagulation problems
- an unusual or allergic reaction to human or animal (cow, hamster, or mouse) protein, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Recombinant factor VIIa is for injection into a vein. A health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting may give you recombinant factor VIIa. If you are given recombinant factor VIIa for home use, you will be instructed in the proper injection technique. Follow the directions exactly. Always wash your hands before use. Only use a disposable syringe once. Let the powder and solution warm to room temperature before use. Follow mixing directions carefully to avoid foaming. Swirl but do not shake the solution. Throw away any unused portion.
What if I miss a dose?
Try not to miss doses. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for instructions if you miss a dose.
What drug(s) may interact with recombinant factor VIIa?
- factor IX products
- warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving recombinant factor VIIa?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- an allergic reaction including difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, skin rash, itching, tightness of the chest
- bruising or continued bleeding
- cough or other signs of infection
- fever or chills
- pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- swelling of legs
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
headache
vomiting
What should I watch for while taking recombinant factor VIIa?
If you are a hemophilia patient or have factor VII deficiency, carry an identification card with you at all times. The card should have your name, the name and dose of your medication(s), the name and phone number of your prescriber or health care professional, and a contact person in case of emergency.
If you are going to have surgery or a dental procedure, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you use recombinant factor VIIa.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store vials in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F); do not freeze. Follow individual manufacturer’s storage guidelines. Throw away after expiration date. Once the solution has been prepared, use it within 3 hours.
Revision date: July 7, 2011
Last revised: by Dave R. Roger, M.D.
Drugs & Medications
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.