Obizur (Susoctocog Alfa)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Obizur Used For?
Obizur is a specialized medication designed to help adults with a specific bleeding disorder called acquired haemophilia A.
Primary Uses
Obizur is used to treat bleeding episodes in adult patients with acquired haemophilia A, which is a bleeding disorder caused by lack of Factor VIII activity due to antibody development against Factor VIII.
How It Works
Factor VIII is necessary for blood to form clots and stop bleeding. In patients with acquired haemophilia A, Factor VIII doesn’t work properly because the patient has developed antibodies that neutralize this blood clotting factor. Obizur works by temporarily replacing the missing Factor VIII activity so that blood can form clots at the site of bleeding.
Good to know: Obizur is administered by qualified healthcare professionals experienced in caring for patients with haemophilia, ensuring proper treatment.
How to Take Obizur
Obizur is given only in a hospital or Haemophilia Treatment Centre under the care of a doctor experienced in treating patients with haemophilia.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will calculate your dose based on your condition and body weight. The recommended first dose is 200 Units (U) per kilogram of body weight. Your doctor will measure your Factor VIII activity regularly to see how well you’re responding and adjust the dose accordingly. The frequency of infusions and duration of treatment will depend on how well Obizur is working for you.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Obizur is given to you by your doctor or qualified healthcare professional, it is unlikely that you will have a missed dose.
Important: Obizur is given slowly by injection directly into your vein by a qualified healthcare professional who will mix the powder with water for injections before administration.
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:
- Development of antibodies against Obizur detected in blood test results
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Rapid increase in existing inhibitory antibodies which may result in lack of efficacy with continued bleeding
- Bruises
- Bleeding of the mouth and gums
- Blood in urine or stool
- Frequent and hard-to-stop nosebleeds
- Swelling and pain or tightness in joints (knees, elbows, ankles)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using Obizur that you should discuss with your healthcare team.
Who Should Not Take Obizur
Do not use Obizur if you are allergic to susoctocog alfa or any ingredients listed, if you are allergic to hamster proteins or medicines of hamster origin, or if you have congenital haemophilia A with inhibitors (CHAWI).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have or have had heart problems, a history of blood clots or are at risk of developing blood clots, or if you are on a controlled sodium diet.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, as it is not known if Obizur may harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed, as it is not known if Obizur passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby.
Allergic Reactions: Tell your doctor immediately if you notice sudden signs of severe allergic response including shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, swelling of face or lips, or skin rashes.
Drug Interactions
It’s important to tell your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking, though Obizur has a favorable interaction profile.
- No known interactions with other medicines
Alcohol & Driving
Obizur is not expected to significantly impact your daily activities, but it’s important to be cautious until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Obizur affects you. Obizur is not expected to have an influence on your ability to drive and use machines.
Storage
Obizur must be stored at 2°C to 8°C in a refrigerator and should not be frozen. The staff at the hospital and/or Haemophilia Treatment Centre will be responsible for the correct storage of Obizur before and during its use. Keep Obizur out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
Since your dose is calculated by your doctor based on your condition and body weight, it is unlikely that you will be given too much Obizur. However, if you think you have received too much, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Obizur works by temporarily replacing missing Factor VIII activity to help blood form clots at bleeding sites. Your doctor will monitor your Factor VIII activity regularly to see how well you’re responding to treatment.
The frequency of infusions and duration of treatment will depend on how well Obizur is working for you. Your doctor will adjust the dose and duration until your bleeding stops.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of severe allergic reactions, if your bleeding is not controlled or worsens, or if you develop bruising, bleeding from mouth/gums, blood in urine/stool, frequent nosebleeds, or joint swelling and pain.
Yes, you will have blood tests before and after your first injection, and regularly between injections. This helps your doctor monitor your Factor VIII levels and check for any inhibitory antibodies.
Do not stop receiving Obizur because you are feeling better, unless advised by your doctor or healthcare professional.
Obizur is specifically designed for adults with acquired haemophilia A, where the body has developed antibodies against its own Factor VIII. It’s a recombinant DNA derived anti-haemophilic Factor VIII that temporarily replaces the missing clotting factor activity.
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.