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Overview: Alehmo is used to help reduce bleeding problems in certain people with hemophilia A or B. It helps your body form clots normally. Common side effects include hives, or itching, bruising, bleeding, or redness near the injection site. Alhemo is an injection given under your skin by either you, your caregiver, or your healthcare provider.

Uses

What is Alhemo used for?

Alhemo (concizumab-mtci) is commonly used to prevent or reduce bleeding in certain people with hemophilia A or hemophilia B.

Learn more about Managing Hemophilia With Alhemo.

Alhemo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Alhemo work (mechanism of action)?

Alhemo blocks tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). By blocking TFPI, your body can make more factor Xa, which helps you form clots and reduces bleeding problems. 

How is Alhemo supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Alhemo

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 60 mg/1.5 mL (40 mg/mL) prefilled pen
  • 150 mg/1.5 mL (100 mg/mL) prefilled pen
  • 300 mg/3 mL (100 mg/mL) prefilled pen

How should I store Alhemo?

Before using Alhemo, it should be stored inside the carton (to protect it from light) in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not freeze it. 

After using Alhemo for the first time, it should be stored with the cap on and inside the carton. It can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, below 86 F (30 C) for up to 28 days. Write the date you first use it on the carton, to help you keep track of the days. Throw away the pen after 28 days, even if there is still medicine in it. Do not store Alhemo in direct sunlight or near the cooling element in the refrigerator. Do not freeze it. You should not use Alhemo if it has been frozen or stored at temperatures above 86 F (30 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Alhemo?

The most common side effects of Alhemo are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Hives
  • Itching, bruising, redness, or bleeding at the injection site

There may be other side effects of Alhemo that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Alhemo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Alhemo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Alhemo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Alhemo and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Cold or pale skin
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Clots. Alhemo may cause blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Certain health conditions, such as cancer and heart disease, may increase your risk for blood clots. Your risk of blood clots may also be higher with high doses or if you use Alhemo for a long time. Stop using Alhemo and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots. 

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, belly, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes or eye pain
  • Double vision
  • Your face feels numb

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Alhemo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Alhemo.

  • Concizumab-mtci
  • Alhemo
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Alhemo.

What should I know about Alhemo before using it?

Do not use Alhemo unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Read and follow the “Instructions for Use” to make sure you understand how to use, store, and throw away Alhemo. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist or other healthcare provider.

Do not share Alhemo with other people, even if the needle has been changed or if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them or you could pass an infection from person to person.

Keep Alhemo out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

You should not give Alhemo injections in the same spot over and over. Be sure to rotate where you give your injections. You should not inject Alhemo into tender, bruised, hard, or red skin. You should not inject it into moles, scars, or stretch marks. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about how or where to use Alhemo.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Alhemo?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Alhemo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Alhemo may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Alhemo, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Alhemo could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. You may need a negative pregnancy test before you can use Alhemo. You should use effective birth control while using Alhemo and for seven weeks after your last dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Alhemo passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Alhemo while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Alhemo?

For more information about Alhemo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.alhemo.com or call them at 844-668-6732.

Interactions

Does Alhemo interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Alhemo and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Alhemo, but both Alhemo and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Alhemo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Alhemo.

  • Recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven) or activated prothrombin complex concentrate (Febia), which is a bypassing agent used to reduce bleeding in people with hemophilia
  • Factor VIII or factor IX, which is a clotting factor used to reduce bleeding in people with hemophilia
  • Immune tolerance induction (ITI), which is a treatment sometimes used in people with hemophilia

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Alhemo. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Alhemo?

If you or someone else has used too much Alhemo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Alhemo?

Missing doses of Alhemo can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses. If you miss a dose during the first four weeks of using Alhemo, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. 

If you miss one dose of Alhemo after your daily dose has been determined, use your next dose when you normally would. If you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. Do not use double or extra doses without your healthcare provider telling you to do so.

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