Drugs & Vitamins

BeneFix Active Ingredients: Factor IX Representative Names: AlphaNine SD, Bebulin VH, BeneFix, Factor IX, Recombinant, Mononine, Profilnine SD, Proplex T What is factor IX injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with factor IX? What side effects may I notice from receiving factor IX? What should I watch for while taking factor IX? Where can I keep my medicine? What is factor IX injection? (Back to top) FACTOR IX (AlphaNine®, Bebulin™, BeneFIX®, Konyne®, Mononine®, Prolifnine®, Proplex® T) is a natural protein, normally present in the blood, that helps blood to clot. A lack of this protein is responsible for hemophilia B (Christmas disease). Factor IX helps to prevent or control bleeding in patients with hemophilia B, treats joint bleeds, or prevents bleeding complications during surgery. Some factor IX products may be used to treat patients with inhibitors to factor VIII or factor VII. A number of factor IX products are available and come from human sources. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •liver disease •thrombosis •other coagulation problems •an unusual or allergic reaction to human or animal (mouse or hamster) protein, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Factor IX is for injection into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. If you are given factor IX 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? (Back to top) 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 factor IX? (Back to top) •aminocaproic acid •tranexamic acid •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 factor IX? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) •difficulty breathing, wheezing •fever or chills •skin rash, itching •pain, redness or swelling at the injection site Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •flushing •headache •nausea, vomiting •tiredness What should I watch for while taking factor IX? (Back to top) As some factor IX products are derived from human plasma, there is a small risk that they may contain certain types of virus or bacteria. All products are processed to kill most viruses and bacteria. If you have questions concerning the risk of viral infections, discuss them with your prescriber or health care professional. If you are a newly diagnosed hemophiliac, you should have a hepatitis A and B vaccination. If you are a hemophilia patient, 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 a factor IX product. Patients should consider enrolling in voluntary programs to be notified of any product recalls. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store 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. Last Updated:03/31/1999 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.