Do you or someone you know have a blood clotting disorder like hemophilia? In such cases, even a small injury can cause major bleeding. So today we are going to talk about a very important, special vaccine that is used to control or prevent bleeding in such serious cases. This is called Recombinant Factor VIIa. Let's see what you need to know about this medicine.
Simply put, what is Factor VIIa?
This is actually a form of "Factor VII", a natural protein that helps our body's blood clot, that has been artificially produced in a laboratory. Strictly speaking, this is not something taken from humans.
This medicine is usually used:
- Control bleeding in patients with hemophilia A or hemophilia B who do not respond to standard treatments (have inhibitors).
- Treat bleeding in people with a condition called Factor VII deficiency .
- Doctors may also recommend this for patients with certain other bleeding disorders.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine:
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. Especially if you have any of these things, be sure to tell them about it.
- If you have atherosclerosis .
- If you have a history or risk of blood clots (thrombosis) in your blood vessels .
- If there are other blood clotting problems apart from this.
- If you have an allergic reaction to human or animal (for example, cow, hamster, rat) proteins .
- If you are allergic to other medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes .
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
It is very important for your safety to talk to the doctor without hiding this information.
How is this vaccine used?
This is an injection into a vein. This vaccine is usually given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
However, sometimes your doctor may tell you to use it at home. If so, you should follow these instructions exactly.
Keep these things in mind if you use it at home.
- Preparation: Before preparing the vaccine, allow the powder and solution to come to room temperature.
- Mixing: When mixing the medicine, follow the instructions on the bottle exactly. Do not shake the bottle vigorously, as this can cause foaming. Instead, just swirl the bottle.
- Usage: Do not reuse any leftover medicine, throw it away. Take only the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Disposing of needles: This is very important. Never throw used needles or syringes in the trash. Put them in a sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor how to get one.
If you are giving this medicine to children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it and follow his or her advice.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have overdosed, don't panic. But you need to act quickly. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital in Colombo. Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Possible side effects when using the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Serious Allergic Reaction | Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, skin rash or itching. If any of these occur, it is an emergency. Seek immediate medical attention. |
| Unusual bruising or persistent bleeding | If the bleeding is not controlled after taking the medicine or if new bruising occurs, tell your doctor. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, and cough can be signs of an infection. |
| Pain, swelling, redness at the injection site | If the injection site is unusually painful or swollen. |
| Swelling of the legs | If one or both legs are unusually swollen, it could be a sign of a blood clot. Report it immediately. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | A general headache may occur. |
| Vomiting | Vomiting may occur. |
Other important points
- Identification card: If you have hemophilia, always carry a card with you that includes your name, the name and dosage of the medication you are taking, the name and phone number of your doctor, and the details of someone to contact in case of an emergency.
- Other medications: This medication may interact with other blood clotting products (coagulation factor products). Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements, as well as whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Take-Home Message
- Recombinant Factor VIIa is a life-saving vaccine used for certain bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia.
- Before starting treatment, it is essential to tell your doctor about your complete health history and all medications you are taking.
- If you are using this medicine at home, learn how to mix and inject it correctly. Dispose of used needles safely.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or unusual swelling.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
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