NovoSeven RT (Eptacog Alfa (Activated) (Bhk))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is NovoSeven RT Used For?
NovoSeven RT is a specialized medication that helps control bleeding in people with certain blood clotting disorders. It works by activating your body’s blood clotting system right at the site where bleeding occurs.
Primary Uses
NovoSeven RT is used to control bleeding episodes and prevent excessive bleeding during surgery in people who have: inhibitors to clotting factors VIII (8) or IX (9), congenital FVII deficiency, or Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia that cannot be treated effectively with platelet transfusions.
How It Works
NovoSeven RT contains eptacog alfa (activated), which is similar to the activated factor VII (7) found naturally in human blood. It’s made through genetic engineering and works by activating your blood clotting system at the site of bleeding to help stop bleeding episodes.
Good to know: NovoSeven RT is made by genetic engineering and is similar to the natural clotting factor in your blood, helping your body’s natural healing process.
How to Take NovoSeven RT
NovoSeven RT is given as an injection into a vein and requires careful preparation. Your doctor will determine the exact amount you need based on your condition, weight, and other factors.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will determine the amount required and how frequently you need it based on your condition, weight and other relevant factors. The first dose should be given as early as possible after bleeding has started. NovoSeven RT is given as an injection into a vein over 2-5 minutes. The powder must be mixed with the solvent before injection – the solution should be clear and colorless. Do not inject if the solution is not clear and colorless or has anything floating in it.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Contact your doctor as soon as possible so they can take the appropriate action. Follow your doctor’s instructions about when to take your next dose.
Important: Do not inject yourself without proper training from your doctor or haemophilia nurse. Do not adjust the dose or schedule without consulting your doctor first.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- skin rash, itching or hives
- nausea (feeling sick)
- headache
- fever
- changes in liver function and blood tests
- pain at injection site
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions including difficulty swallowing or breathing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of lips/tongue/face/hands, widespread rash
- blood clots in heart arteries (heart attack/angina symptoms)
- blood clots in brain (stroke symptoms like confusion, speech difficulty, paralysis)
- blood clots in veins of lungs, legs, liver, kidneys
- severe chest pain, breathlessness, abdominal pain
- difficulty breathing, red and painful leg swelling
- bleeding that is not well controlled
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using NovoSeven RT. Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take NovoSeven RT
Do not use NovoSeven RT if you: have an allergy to mice, hamster or cow proteins (such as cow’s milk), are allergic to eptacog alfa (activated) or any of the ingredients listed in this medication.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you: have recently had or are planning surgery, have had a crush injury, are prone to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), have a serious blood infection, have an increased risk of blood clots or advanced hardening of the arteries, have or have had coronary artery disease or previous heart attack, have liver disease, are allergic to platelets or blood products, have a genetic condition that affects your ability to digest sugars, or take any medicines for other conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. They will discuss the risks and benefits of using NovoSeven RT during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed – they can discuss the risks and benefits to you and your baby.
Blood Clot Risk: During treatment, you may be at risk of developing blood clots. You must be carefully monitored, especially if you’re prone to clotting disorders.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with NovoSeven RT and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Important: Do not use NovoSeven RT at the same time as prothrombin complex concentrates or recombinant factor XIII (13), as these are also medicines used to help with blood clotting.
- prothrombin complex concentrates
- recombinant factor XIII (13)
- coagulation factor concentrates
- antifibrinolytic drugs (such as tranexamic acid)
Alcohol & Driving
There is no specific information about interactions between NovoSeven RT and alcohol or its effects on driving ability.
Alcohol
There is no specific information on any possible interactions of NovoSeven RT with alcohol. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
There is no specific information on the use of NovoSeven RT and driving or using machines. Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how NovoSeven RT affects you.
Storage
Store NovoSeven RT below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not freeze or store in direct light. Do not store the medication in a syringe. If you cannot use the reconstituted solution immediately, keep it in the vial in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C) and use within 24 hours. Keep away from children. Do not use after the expiry date.
Overdose Information
If you are given or give yourself too much NovoSeven RT, contact your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or problems. Seek medical attention right away for any overdose situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first dose should be given as early as possible after bleeding has started. NovoSeven RT works by activating the blood clotting system at the site of bleeding, but your doctor will monitor your response to determine if additional doses are needed.
You should not inject yourself without proper training from your doctor or haemophilia nurse. In cases of mild or moderate bleeding episodes, it may be given to you for home use if required, but only after proper training. Severe bleeds require administration by a doctor or nurse.
Do not continue home treatment for longer than 24 hours. If bleeding is not controlled within 24 hours, contact your doctor as soon as possible as you will need hospital care.
Call your doctor straight away if your bleeding is not controlled. If you are treating yourself at home and bleeding is not controlled within 24 hours, you will need hospital care immediately.
The powder must be mixed with the solvent supplied before injection. The solution should be clear and colorless. Do not inject if the solution is not clear and colorless or has anything floating in it. Follow the detailed instructions provided with the product.
No, NovoSeven RT is for single use in one person only. Reconstituted NovoSeven RT should be used immediately. Discard your vial after use and do not refill vials. Any solution left in the vial should be discarded.
Remind any doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or other health professionals you visit that you are using NovoSeven RT. This is important for your safety and proper medical care.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.