MEDICINE

NovoSeven

1 mg/vial IV Injection · Coagulation Factor VIIa [Eptacog Alfa]

Indications

NovoSeven is indicated in Bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia, Bleeding episodes due to surgery or invasive procedures in patients with factor VII deficiency, Bleeding episodes due to surgery or invasive procedures in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia.

Pharmacology

Recombinant factor VIIa is a biosynthetic preparation of activated factor VII produced by recombinant DNA technology. It is a vitamin K-dependent glycoprotein. It promotes haemostasis by activating the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. It replaces deficient activated coagulation factor VII, which complexes with tissue factor and may activate coagulation factor X and factor IX. Factor VIIa is given as the recombinant form, eptacog alfa (activated).

Dosage and administration

Bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia:

Adult : As activated eptacog alfa: Initially, 90 mcg/kg given via IV bolus over 2-5 min. Additional dose may be given as needed to achieve or maintain haemostasis, initially 2-3 hrly. May adjust dose or dosing interval according to response. May continue therapy for up to 3 wk or more in cases of serious bleeding episodes.

Bleeding episodes due to surgery or invasive procedures in patients with factor VII deficiency:

Adult : As activated eptacog alfa: 15-30 mcg/kg 4-6 hrly via IV bolus over 2-5 min until haemostasis is achieved.

Bleeding episodes due to surgery or invasive procedures in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia:

Adult : As activated eptacog alfa: 90 mcg/kg 2 hrly via IV bolus over 2-5 min, give at least 3 doses.

Interactions

Increased risk of thromboembolism with activated or non-activated prothrombin complex concentrate.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to recombinant coagulation factor VIIa or to mouse, hamster or bovine protein. Rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose malabsorption or sucrose-isomaltase insufficiency.

Side effects

Nausea, vomiting, skin reactions, fever, headache and changes in BP. Rarely, anaphylaxis.

Pregnancy and lactation

It is preferable to avoid use during pregnancy. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. It is unknown whether eptacog alfa is excreted in human breast milk. The excretion of eptacog alfa in milk has not been studied in animals.

Precautions and warnings

Advanced atherosclerotic disease, crush injury, septicemia or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Patients w/ history of CHD, liver disease, undergoing major surgery, at risk of thromboembolic phenomena or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Remote possibility of hypersensitivity to mouse IgG, bovine IgG & other residual culture proteins. Monitor prothrombin time & factor VII coagulant activity in factor VII deficient patients. Pregnancy & lactation. Neonates.

Storage

Store between 2-25° C prior to reconstitution. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

Common questions

What is NovoSeven used for?

NovoSeven is indicated in Bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia, Bleeding episodes due to surgery or invasive procedures in patients with factor VII deficiency, Bleeding episodes due to surgery or invasive procedures in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia.

What is the generic name of NovoSeven?

NovoSeven contains Coagulation Factor VIIa [Eptacog Alfa], which belongs to the group: Anti-fibrinolytic drugs.

Who makes NovoSeven?

NovoSeven is marketed in Bangladesh by Novo Nordisk Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd.

How is NovoSeven taken?

Bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia: Adult : As activated eptacog alfa: Initially, 90 mcg/kg given via IV bolus over 2-5 min. Additional dose may be given as needed to achieve or maintain haemostasis, initially 2-3 hrly. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

What are the side effects of NovoSeven?

Nausea, vomiting, skin reactions, fever, headache and changes in BP. Rarely, anaphylaxis.

Is NovoSeven safe in pregnancy?

It is preferable to avoid use during pregnancy. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Ask your doctor before using it while pregnant or breastfeeding.

This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.