Eptacog Alfa
About
Eptacog Alfa is used to treat bleeding disorders and to prevent bleeding after surgery or other important treatments. Eptacog Alfa may also be given to treat heavy bleeding after delivery of the baby, even if the mother does not have a bleeding disorder.
Eptacog Alfa contains Eptacog alfa, a blood coagulation factor that works by making the blood clot at the site of bleeding when the body’s own clotting factors are not working.
In some cases, Eptacog Alfa may cause side effects like clots in the veins in the legs, lungs, kidney, liver or at the site of injection, fever, pruritus (itching), or urticaria (hives). Please consult your doctor if your side effects worsen.
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of the components in Eptacog Alfa. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Eptacog Alfa
Medicinal Benefits
Eptacog Alfa is used to treat bleeding and to prevent bleeding after surgery or other important treatments. It is used in people who were born with haemophilia (inherited bleeding disorder) and did not normally respond to factors VIII or IX treatment, has acquired haemophilia, Factor VII deficiency, or Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia (a bleeding disorder), and the condition cannot be treated effectively with platelet transfusion, or if platelets are not readily available. Eptacog Alfa may also be given to treat heavy bleeding after delivery of the baby, even if the mother does not have a bleeding disorder. Eptacog Alfa contains Eptacog alfa, a blood coagulation factor that works by making the blood clot at the site of bleeding when the body’s own clotting factors are not working. Early treatment with Eptacog Alfa reduces the amount and duration of bleeding. Eptacog Alfa works in all types of bleeds, including joint bleeds.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Eptacog Alfa
- Blood clot at the site of injection or in the blood vessels of the kidney, liver, lungs or limbs.
- Allergic skin reactions
- Fever
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Eptacog Alfa, hamster, mouse, or cow proteins, inform your doctor before taking this injection. Inform your doctor if you have had surgery, crush injury, atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries), thrombosis (blood clots), liver disease, blood infection, disseminated intravascular coagulation (blood clots develop throughout the bloodstream), coronary artery disease, stroke, intolerance to fructose, or if you are using other blood clotting factors. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are using blood clotting factor concentrates, prothrombin complex concentrates or rFXIII, medicines used to reduce the dissolving of blood clots, anti-fibrinolytic drugs, activated or non-activated prothrombin complex concentrates.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to hamster, mouse, or cow proteins or if you have atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries) or thrombosis (blood clots).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol affects Eptacog Alfa. However, limit or avoid consumption of alcohol while on treatment with Eptacog Alfa.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Eptacog Alfa. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Eptacog Alfa. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionIt is not known whether Eptacog Alfa can affect the driving ability. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert after taking this medicine.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Eptacog Alfa.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Eptacog Alfa.
Children
consult your doctorLimited information is available. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
- Cut down on added sugars and salts.
- Manage stress with meditation and yoga.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid activities that may cause bleeding or bruising.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bleeding disorder: It is a group of conditions in which the body’s clotting process does not work properly due to a lack of clotting factors. It can lead to prolonged and heavy bleeding. In most cases, bleeding disorders are inherited; however, in rare cases, they are developed later in life.
FAQs
Eptacog Alfa works by making the blood clot at the site of bleeding when the body’s own clotting factors are not working.
Do not use Eptacog Alfa at the same time as prothrombin complex concentrates or rFXIII (recombinant factor XIII). Talk to your doctor before using Eptacog Alfa if you also use Factor VIII or IX products.
Eptacog Alfa may cause blood clots at the site of injection or in the blood vessels of the kidney, liver, lungs or limbs. Consult your doctor if you experience any signs of a blood clot, such as red and painful swelling in the leg, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing.
In case of mild or moderate bleeding episodes, Eptacog Alfa may be prescribed for use at home if required. Do not stop using Eptacog Alfa or adjust the dose without checking with your doctor. You should not continue home treatment for longer than 24 hours without consulting your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if the bleeding is not controlled within 24 hours.
