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Overview: Panhematin is used to treat symptom flares, or attacks, triggered by the menstrual cycle in people with an inherited condition called acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). Panhematin works by slowing the buildup of substances that cause AIP attacks. Common side effects include headache, fever, and swelling or irritation at the infusion site. Serious side effects may include bleeding and a rare but possible risk of infections.

Uses

What is Panhematin used for?

Panhematin (hemin) is commonly used to relieve a sudden acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) attack when the timing of the attack is related to your menstrual cycle. AIP is an inherited disorder that affects how your body makes heme, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

During an AIP attack, you may have symptoms such as severe belly pain, vomiting, seizures, confusion, and nerve pain or burning sensations. Without treatment, an AIP attack can lead to nerve damage.

Panhematin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Panhematin work (mechanism of action)?

The exact way Panhematin works to improve symptoms during an AIP attack is not known. It is thought to slow the buildup of substances that lead to symptoms. Panhematin will not cure your condition, but it can stop the attack and, in some cases, may keep symptoms from coming back for a while.

How is Panhematin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Panhematin

Dosage forms and strengths

Panhematin is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Panhematin?

Panhematin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Panhematin?

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

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Swelling or discomfort at or near the vein where Panhematin is given

There may be other side effects of Panhematin that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 Panhematin?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Panhematin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. 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
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Bleeding. People using Panhematin may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising. When these side effects happen, they are usually mild and temporary. Taking certain other medicines may raise your risk of bleeding. Tell your health care provider if you notice any changes in how easily you bruise or bleed.

Risk of Infection. Panhematin is made from human blood and may carry germs, such as viruses, that can cause infections. The drugmaker takes steps to reduce the risk, such as screening donors and testing for infections. But there is still a small chance you could get a rare but serious infection, such as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. If you notice any new symptoms, such as the following, tell your health care provider right away.

  • Fever
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Weakness or general ill feeling
  • Yellowish eyes or skin

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Panhematin?

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

  • Hemin
  • Panhematin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Panhematin before using it?

Panhematin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital.

Keep all appointments after your treatment with Panhematin. You may need to get blood tests to check your iron levels.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Panhematin?

Tell your health care 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 Panhematin is right for you.

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

Other Medicines and Supplements. Panhematin and interact with other medicines and supplements and make your symptoms worse. Tell your health care 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 Panhematin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should receive Panhematin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Panhematin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Panhematin?

For more information about Panhematin, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.panhematin.com or call them at 866-209-7604.

Interactions

Does Panhematin interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Panhematin.

Does Panhematin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care 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 Panhematin.

  • Estrogen, which is found in certain birth control pills, patches, creams, rings, or vaginal suppositories
  • A barbiturate, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Panhematin. Always check with your health care 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 Panhematin?

If you or someone else has used too much Panhematin, 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 Panhematin?

Panhematin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Panhematin as scheduled.