Type of medicine: coagulation factor
Generic and brand names: coagulation factor VIIa, recombinant, injection; NovoSeven RT
This medicine is given by injection (shots into a vein) to prevent or stop bleeding in people who have hemophilia A or B and who have inhibitors to Factor VIII or Factor IX, or people who have Factor VII deficiency. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will explain.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine or if you are allergic to beef, mice, or hamsters.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
These shots are usually given to you while you are in the hospital. Usually you will have a shot every 2 hours until the bleeding is stopped or until your healthcare provider decides to stop the treatment. For severe bleeding, you may have more shots 6 to 12 hours after bleeding has stopped to keep it controlled. The number of shots you need depends on how severe your bleeding is and how quickly it stops. You may need 8 or more doses.
You will have several blood tests to determine your blood clotting time.
If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care): Signs of too much blood clotting (shortness of breath; weakness or numbness of arm or leg; slurred speech; severe and sudden headache; sharp pain in the chest, upper arm, or legs; vision changes). Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain; swelling or pain in the calf, hands, or feet; blood in the urine or stool.
Other: Fever, headache, vomiting, irritation at spot where the shot was given, lightheadedness, dizziness, joint pain.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
