Factor VIIa (Recombinant)

(FAK ter SEV en aye ree KOM be nant)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug may cause blood clots. Tell your child's doctor right away if your child has chest pain, shortness of breath, eyesight problems, bad belly pain, or pain or swelling of the legs or arms.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to Factor VIIa, mice, hamsters, cattle, or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat hemophilia.
• It is used to stop and treat bleeding.

How does this drug work?

• Factor VIIa replaces proteins to stop bleeding.

How is this drug given?

• It is given as a shot into a vein.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It starts working as soon as it is given.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call your doctor for an office visit.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child has liver disease, talk with the doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Have your child's blood pressure checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Short-term pain after use.
• Fever and chills.
• High blood pressure.
• Allergic side effects may rarely happen.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child has chest pain or pressure.
• If your child has joint pain or swelling.
• If your child has a bad headache.
• If your child has a change in balance.
• If your child has a change in thinking clearly and with logic.
• If there is a change in your child's strength on 1 side that is greater than the other, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, or blurred eyesight.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child has very bad belly pain.
• If your child has swelling or pain in his/her leg or arm.
• If your child has a sudden change in eyesight.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• This drug will be given to your child in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.