fibrinogen

What is the most important information I should know about fibrinogen?

What is fibrinogen?

Fibrinogen is a man-made form of a protein that occurs naturally in the body and helps the blood to clot.

Fibrinogen is used to treat bleeding episodes in people with a congenital fibrinogen deficiency.

Fibrinogen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using fibrinogen?

To make sure fibrinogen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of stroke or blood clot.

Fibrinogen is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

How should I use fibrinogen?

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using fibrinogen.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Fibrinogen is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used.

Fibrinogen is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

Fibrinogen contains no preservative. Once you have pierced the rubber top of a vial with a needle, you must use that vial right away or throw it away.

Do not shake the medication bottle or you may ruin the medicine. Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give an injection. The mixture should be clear or slightly colored. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Each single-use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.

Use a disposable needle only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Fibrinogen doses are based on weight, and any changes may affect the dose.

You may need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with fibrinogen.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using fibrinogen?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of fibrinogen?

• signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• signs of a blood clot in the lung --chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
• signs of a blood clot in your leg --pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; or
• heart attack symptoms --chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating.

Common side effects may include:

• fever; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect fibrinogen?

Other drugs may interact with fibrinogen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about fibrinogen.