What is hemin?
Hemin is an enzyme inhibitor that is made from red blood cells. It works by lowering the production of a certain enzyme in the body.
Hemin is used to treat the symptoms of occasional attacks of porphyria related to the menstrual cycle in women. Hemin helps control symptoms such as pain, increased heart rate or blood pressure, and changes in mental status.
Hemin should not be used to treat porphyria cutanea tarda.
Hemin is not a cure for porphyria. It will only control the symptoms of a porphyria episode.
Hemin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about hemin?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Using too much hemin could be harmful to your kidneys. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hemin.
Before using hemin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex rubber.
Also tell your doctor if you take birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, a blood thinner, steroids, or a barbiturate sedative.
Hemin is made from human blood and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human blood is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before using hemin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hemin.
Before using hemin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex rubber.
FDA pregnancy category C. Hemin may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether hemin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Hemin is made from human blood and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human blood is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.