How does it work?

Human hemin is derived from human blood.Heme (haem) is needed by the body to produce haemoglobin (the red coloured material in blood which carries oxygen). Heme is produced by the body through a complex series of chemical reactions. Each stage is controlled by a specific chemical (enzyme). In the condition known as porphyria, one or more of these specific chemicals (enzymes) is missing. As a result, heme cannot be produced and there is a build up of intermediate products (unfinished heme). These intermediate products cause the characteristic symptoms of porphyria.Human hemin injection contains heme. It is used to make good the deficiency in porphyria. By restoring the body's levels of heme to normal, the natural production cycle is stopped and the formation of intermediate products is halted. In this way an acute attack of prophyria is controlled.

What is it used for?

• Treatment of acute attacks of hepatic porphyria (acute intermittent porphyria, porphyria variegata, hereditary coproporphyria)

Warning!

• Before treatment is started confirm the diagnosis of an attack of hepatic prophyria.
• Start treatment as soon as possible after the onset of an attack. The earlier the treatment starts the greater the efficacy of the treatment.
• Monitor cardiovascular and neurological signs and symptoms.
• Fasting or taking certain medicines (e.g. oestrogens, barbiturates, steroids) will make the attacks worse.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• The medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Allergic reaction to active ingredient
• Fever (pyrexia)
• Pain at the injection site
• Inflammation of the wall of a vein with a blood clot forming in the affected segment of vein (local thrombophlebitis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

The blood levels of the following medicines may be reduced when given together with human hemin:oestrogens (including oral contraceptives)barbiturates steroids