factor IX

What it is used for

BeneFIX is an injectable medicine that is used to help control and prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia B. Hemophilia B is also called congenital factor IX deficiency or Christmas disease.

BeneFIX is NOT used to treat hemophilia A.

Side effects, and when to stop

Allergic reactions may occur with BeneFIX. Call your doctor or get emergency treatment right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• wheezing
• difficulty breathing
• chest tightness
• turning blue (look at lips and gums)
• fast heartbeat
• swelling of the face
• faintness
• rash
• hives

Your body can also make antibodies, called "inhibitors," against BeneFIX, which may stop BeneFIX from working properly.

Some common side effects of BeneFIX are fever, cough, nausea, injection site reaction, injection site pain, headache, dizziness and rash.

BeneFIX may increase the risk of thromboembolism (abnormal blood clots) in your body if you have risk factors for developing blood clots, including an indwelling venous catheter through which BeneFIX is given by continuous infusion. There have been reports of severe blood clotting events, including life-threatening blood clots in critically ill neonates, while receiving continuous-infusion BeneFIX through a central venous catheter. The safety and efficacy of BeneFIX administration by continuous infusion have not been established.

These are not all the possible side effects of BeneFIX.

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

What to say before you start

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the medicines you take, including all prescription and non-prescription medicines, such as over-the-counter medicines, supplements, or herbal medicines.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have any allergies, including allergies to hamsters.
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if BeneFIX may harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding. It is not known if BeneFIX passes into the milk and if it can harm your baby.

Storing it

DO NOT FREEZE BeneFIX kit.

BeneFIX kit can be stored at room temperature (below 86°F) or under refrigeration.

Throw away any unused BeneFIX and diluent after the expiration date indicated on the label.

Freezing should be avoided to prevent damage to the pre-filled diluent syringe.

BeneFIX does not contain a preservative. After reconstituting BeneFIX, you can store it at room temperature for up to 3 hours. If you have not used it in 3 hours, throw it away.

Do not use BeneFIX if the reconstituted solution is not clear and colorless.

How should I infuse BeneFIX?

The initial administrations of BeneFIX should be administered under proper medical supervision, where proper medical care for severe allergic reactions could be provided.

See the step-by-step instructions for infusing BeneFIX at the end of this leaflet. You should always follow the specific instructions given by your doctor. The steps listed below are general guidelines for using BeneFIX. If you are unsure of the procedures, please call your doctor or pharmacist before using.

Call your doctor right away if bleeding is not controlled after using BeneFIX.

Your doctor will prescribe the dose that you should take.

Your doctor may need to test your blood from time to time.

BeneFIX should not be administered by continuous infusion.

What if I take too much BeneFIX?

Call your doctor if you take too much BeneFIX.

What else should I know about BeneFIX?

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed here. Do not use BeneFIX for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not share BeneFIX with other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have.

This Patient Leaflet summarizes the most important information about BeneFIX. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about BeneFIX that was written for healthcare professionals.