This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Alhemo
Brand Names: Canada
Alhemo
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to prevent and lower the number of bleeding episodes in people who have hemophilia.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
- If your child is taking another drug to help with bleeding like rFVIIA, activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC), factor VIII (FVIII), or factor IX (FIX). Ask the doctor if you are not sure if your child is taking another drug to help with bleeding. Talk to the doctor about how to use other drugs for bleeding with this drug if needed.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. This drug may need to be stopped before certain types of surgery as the doctor has told you. If this drug is stopped, the doctor will tell you when to start giving this drug again after your child’s surgery or procedure.
- Have your child’s blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by the doctor.
- This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your child’s health care providers and lab workers that your child takes this drug.
- Do not stop giving this drug without calling the doctor who ordered it for your child.
- Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has unexplained bruising or bleeding or if bleeding does not stop after giving this drug. This may be a sign that your child’s normal dose is not working as well.
- Blood clots have happened with this drug. Tell the doctor if your child has ever had a blood clot.
- Do not share this product with another person. This includes any needles or syringes, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing may pass infections from one person to another. This includes infections you may not know about.
- If your child is of childbearing age, a pregnancy test may need to be done before starting this drug to show that your child is NOT pregnant.
If your child is or may be sexually active:
- This drug may cause harm to an unborn baby. If your child may become pregnant, have your child use birth control while taking this drug and for 7 weeks after the last dose. If your child gets pregnant, call the doctor right away.
If your child is breast-feeding a baby:
- Tell the doctor if your child is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about any risks to the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Dizziness.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Feeling confused.
- Sudden stomach or back pain.
- Bleeding where the shot is given.
- Eye pain or swelling.
- Headache.
- Call the doctor right away if your child has signs of a blood clot like chest, arm, back, neck, or jaw pain or pressure; coughing up blood; numbness or weakness on 1 side of the body; trouble speaking or thinking; change in balance; change in eyesight; shortness of breath; or swelling, warmth, or pain in the leg or arm.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if your child has any side effects that bother your child or do not go away.
- Bruising, itching, pain, redness, swelling, or other reaction where the injection was given.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh or the belly area.
- This drug must not be given into a muscle.
- It is important that your child does not miss or skip a dose of this drug during treatment.
- If you will be giving your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
- If your child has active bleeding, talk with the doctor. Do not start giving this drug while your child has active bleeding without first talking to the doctor.
- Give this drug at the same time of day.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Attach new needle before each dose.
- Remove all pen needle covers before injecting a dose (there may be 2). If you are not sure what type of pen needle you have or how to use it, talk with the doctor.
- This drug is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has solid particles.
- Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
- Do not give into skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
- Do not give into a mole.
- Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
- Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
- If your child misses a dose during the first 4 weeks of treatment, call the doctor right away. The doctor will tell you how to restart this drug.
- If your child misses a dose after the first 4 weeks, check the package insert or call the doctor or pharmacist to find out what to do.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- Store unopened containers in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- Store in the outer carton to protect from light.
- After opening, store in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw away any part not used after 28 days.
- Do not use if it has been frozen.
- Store with the pen cap on.
- Protect from heat and sunlight.
- Throw away drug if stored at a temperature above 86°F (30°C).
- Take off the needle after each shot. Do not store this device with the needle on it.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2025-01-02
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