Panhematin® Treatment
Panhematin® from Ovation Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in
Deerfield, IL, is a lyophilized form of alkaline heme
that has to be reconstituted immediately prior to
administration. Panhematin® should be infused into a
large peripheral vein. A large central line or port may
be used, if available.
 Doctors administer Panhematin® to correct
heme
deficiency in the liver and repress production of
porphyrin precursors. Panhematin® almost always
normalizes porphyrin and porphyrin
precursor values. Three to four mg/kg of Panhematin® given once daily for four days early in an attack produces
a highly beneficial effect in most patients.
Commonly noted are decreases in pulse rate, blood
pressure, abdominal pain, as well as decreased levels
of urinary porphobilinogen (PBG). These effects
can occur within a day.
Panhematin® is the only commercially
available heme
therapy in the United States. (Heme arginate is
another preparation, but is only available outside of
the U.S.) While a high carbohydrate diet is recommended
for patients with porphyria, it is not regarded
as highly effective by itself. Intravenous glucose
therapy is a treatment option for mild attacks. When
heme therapy was introduced as a treatment, it was recommended that
it be initiated only after several
days of glucose therapy was unsuccessful.
Today, physicians experienced in treating patients with attacks
of porphyria recommend early use of Panhematin® rather
than waiting
to see if glucose alone will be of decisive help. However, not
every patient who experiences an attack of porphyria needs
Panhematin®
since mild attacks may well respond to glucose alone. But a specialist's
advice and consultation may first be obtained. This is recommended
also for prophylactic infusions of Panhematin®
given to prevent attacks.
Many experts recommend
reconstituting Panhematin® with albumin as this makes it more
stable. This helps prevent phlebitis and an anticoagulant
effect. Like Panhematin®, albumin is a biologic
product, which is approved and regulated by the
FDA.
In addition to Panhematin® therapy, supportive
measures such as nursing care, attention to electrolyte
imbalance, and sufficient pain medication help in
treating acute attacks.
During treatment, attention should be given
to salt
and water balance. Harmful drugs should be
stopped. These include barbiturates, sulfonamide
antibiotics, and many others.
For questions from healthcare professionals
regarding
general use and administration, please call
1-866-402-8520. If your physician would like to
speak to a porphyria expert who has expertise in
using Panhematin®, the American Porphyria
Foundation (APF) will gladly provide that information.
Call us at 713-266-9617.
Read Member Stories that include experiences with Panhematin®:
Please visit our Global Partnership Program to read this page in Spanish or Portuguese.
To learn more about Ovation Pharmaceuticals, visit http://www.ovationpharma.com.
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