Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml Introduction

Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml (Hembirel) is a novel monoclonal antibody (MAB) designed to treat and prevent bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A (classic hemophilia). It is the first medicine of its kind that works by bringing together two different clotting molecules so the body can form a blood clot. The medicine is specifically designed to help those with hemophilia A who have developed inhibitors to Factor VIII (FVIII) because of the repeated administration of FVIII.

Uses for Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml

Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml is approved for the prevention and treatment of bleeding episodes and routine prophylaxis of bleeding episodes in adults and children (from 12 years of age and older) with hemophilia A (classic hemophilia) with factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors. Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml is also approved for the prophylactic treatment of bleeding episodes in children from six weeks of age, and under 12 years of age with hemophilia A with or without FVIII inhibitors, when other treatments cannot be used.

Mechanism of action

Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml is a specific antibody which works by preventing excessive bleeding by bringing together two different clotting molecules. The medicine helps the body form a clot by binding to and activating clotting factors IXa and X, promoting clot formation and formation of a stable clot.

How long does it take to work?

Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml starts to work within hours of administration, although it may take a few days for the medicine to be completely effective.

Absorption

After subcutaneous administration, emicizumab is rapidly absorbed with an average time to peak concentration of 2 hours.

Route of Elimination

Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml is eliminated through the kidneys and liver. After metabolism by the liver, the majority of emicizumab is excreted in the urine as metabolites.

Dosage

Recommended loading dose is 3 mg/kg by subcutaneous injection once weekly for the first 4 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of:
  • 1.5 mg/kg once every week, or
  • 3 mg/kg once every two weeks, or
  • 6 mg/kg once every four weeks.

The recommended dosage for emicizumab is:

  • For adults and adolescents (12 years and older): a subcutaneous injection of 3 mg/kg body weight, once weekly.
  • For children (6 weeks to less than 12 years): a subcutaneous injection of 1.5 mg/kg body weight, given twice weekly.
  • Administration

    Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml is administered as a subcutaneous injection. Injections should be administered in the abdomen or thigh and following the directions in the patient information provided.

    Side Effects

    Common side effects of emicizumab include injection site reactions, headache, and nausea. Rare side effects include thrombotic microangiopathy, thrombocytopenia, and other serious blood disorders. Medical advice should be sought if any of these side effects occur.

    Toxicity

    Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml has not been shown to be toxic to humans. However, there are potential risks of thrombotic microangiopathy, thrombocytopenia, and other serious blood disorders, which could be related to the interaction between emicizumab and components of the clotting cascade.

    Precaution

    Patients taking emicizumab should always have their hemophilia monitored. Regular tests should be performed to check the clotting ability of the blood. In addition, patients should be alert for signs and symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, excessive bleeding, or jaundice.

    Interaction

    Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml should not be used with other anticoagulants or blood thinners. Also, patients should avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while using emicizumab.

    Disease Interaction

    Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml has not been shown to interact with any other diseases or conditions. However, if you have any other medical problems, make sure to consult your healthcare provider prior to starting therapy.

    Drug Interaction

    Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml may interact with certain medications like aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Make sure to consult with your healthcare provider about your medications before starting therapy with emicizumab.

    Food Interactions

    Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml does not interact with food. Patients may eat normally while taking emicizumab.

    Pregnancy Use

    Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml has not been studied in pregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider prior to starting therapy.

    Lactation Use

    Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml has not been studied in lactating mothers. Therefore, lactating mothers should consult their healthcare provider prior to starting therapy.

    Acute Overdose

    If an overdose of emicizumab is suspected, seek medical advice. The symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

    Contraindication

    Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active ingredient, or any of the excipients of the product.

    Use Direction

    Hemlibra SC Injection 30 mg/ml is intended for subcutaneous injection. Injections should be administered following the directions in the patient information provided.

    Storage Condition

    Product should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8°C.

    Volume of Distribution

    The volume of distribution for emicizumab is 4 L.

    Half Life

    The half-life of emicizumab is approximately 22 days.

    Clearance

    The clearance of emicizumab is approximately 91 mL/day.

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    *** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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    Dr. Farzana Tazin

    Cardiology & Rheumatic Fever Specialist

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    Dr. Md. Rakibul Haque Khan

    Newborn & Child Diseases Specialist

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    Prof. Dr. Md. Anowarul Islam Chowdhury

    Orthopedics Specialist & Spine Surgeon

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