Helixate: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Helixate is indicated in the treatment of hemophilia, control and prevention of bleeding in situations such as surgery, trauma or internal bleeding.

Helixate is used to control and prevent hemophilia in people with low clotting factor VIII (hemophilia A). The drug is also used in patients before surgery to stop bleeding.
Helixate contains an active ingredient similar to factor VIII, also known as anticoagulant factor (AHF). Helixate is used to temporarily replace missing factor VIII. This medicine is not used to treat von Willebrand disease.

Helixate is injected into a vein as prescribed by a doctor. It is usually given as a slow infusion over a long period of time depending on your dose and how well it responds to its effects. After the first dose of Helixate is given at the hospital, doctors may have some patients self-administer Helixate at home. In this case, read the drug information leaflet and instructions for use from your pharmacist carefully before starting and at each follow-up visit. Remember to store and dispose of needles and medical equipment properly. If the Helixate and the solution for injection are stored in the refrigerator, allow both to come to room temperature before making the solution for injection. After adding the solution to the powder, gently stir the mixture until the powder is completely dissolved instead of shaking the entire solution. Before using the product, check with the naked eye for undissolved particles or discoloration, if so, do not use. The dose of Helixate is based on your medical condition, weight, blood test results, and response to medication. Patients need to follow the treatment instructions from the doctor to optimize the effectiveness of the medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens after taking Helixate.

Patients taking Helixate sometimes notice flushing, headache, nausea, heart palpitations, injection at a slower rate may reduce these side effects. Helixate side effects such as burning, redness, and irritation can also occur at the injection site. In addition, patients are likely to develop fever and chills after taking Helixate. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist for proper management. It is very rare to have a serious allergic reaction when taking Helixate.

Before using Helixate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other anticoagulant products (related to factor VIII) or if you have any allergies. Some brand names may contain polyethylene glycol (PEG) or inactive ingredients (such as natural rubber, latex) that pose a risk of allergic reactions or other health problems. .
Before being prescribed Helixate, patients need to tell their doctor or pharmacist about their medical history.
Besides, the manufacturer also advises patients to monitor their heart rate during treatment. If the heart begins to beat faster, the patient should reduce the infusion rate or temporarily stop the infusion until the heart rate returns to normal.
During pregnancy, Helixate should only be used when specifically prescribed by a doctor.
It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Therefore, postpartum women need to consult with their doctor before starting breastfeeding.

During the treatment of coagulopathy with Helixate, patients should be monitored for possible interactions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of medication without your doctor's approval.
Before using Helixate, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the medicines you are taking...so that they can be prescribed with the most appropriate dosage.

Do not share Helixate with other drugs, especially active substances related to the clotting mechanism. Laboratory blood tests (eg, factor VIII levels) should be performed regularly to determine dosing and to check response to Helixate. Patients need to use Helixate exactly according to the treatment schedule of the doctor. If you forget to take a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away to know when to take your next dose. Do not arbitrarily double the dose used. After reconstitution of the solution for injection, the patient should use the product within the time frame stated in the manufacturer's instructions and properly dispose of unused portions. Knowing the information about the drug Helixate before using it always brings positive effects as well as minimizes risks for patients. Besides, if you have any questions about drug information, customers can send questions to Vinmec International General Hospital to receive in-depth advice from a team of doctors and pharmacists with many years of experience. experience.

Reference source: webmd.com