BeneFIX (Nonacog Alfa)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is BeneFIX Used For?
BeneFIX contains nonacog alfa, a coagulation factor IX product made using recombinant technology. It’s specifically designed for people with haemophilia B who are deficient in coagulation factor IX.
Primary Uses
BeneFIX is used to control and treat bleeding episodes and prevent bleeding in people with haemophilia B (Christmas disease).
How It Works
BeneFIX works by replacing the missing factor IX in your blood, which enables your blood to clot properly. The recombinant factor IX is produced in laboratory-grown cells and contains no human blood, preservatives, or added animal or human components.
Good to know: BeneFIX is made without any human blood components and is highly purified for safety.
How to Take BeneFIX
BeneFIX is given as an injection directly into your veins. The powder must be mixed with the provided sodium chloride solution before use. Your healthcare team will teach you how to prepare and inject it safely.
Dosage Instructions
BeneFIX comes in five different strengths (250 IU, 500 IU, 1000 IU, 2000 IU, and 3000 IU). Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your individual needs. If you’ve been using plasma-derived factor IX before, your BeneFIX dose may be different. Use only the materials provided in the pack for mixing and injecting. Inject the solution over several minutes at a comfortable rate. Use the mixed solution immediately or within 3 hours.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your scheduled dose, inject it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Important: Never inject a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Each vial is for single use only and should be discarded after use.
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:
- headache
- runny or blocked nose or sneezing
- light-headedness
- fever
- chills
- flushing
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- feeling of tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of energy
- discomfort or swelling at injection site
- altered taste
- coughing
- burning sensation in jaw or skull
- changes in vision
- tremor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reaction symptoms: skin rash, itching, chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, hives, faintness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, swollen face, blurred vision
Important Warnings
Before using BeneFIX, it’s important to understand who should not use it and what conditions require special monitoring.
Who Should Not Take BeneFIX
Do not use BeneFIX if you are allergic to nonacog alfa, hamster proteins, or any of the ingredients listed. Signs of allergic reaction include skin rash, itching, chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, hives, faintness, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision, shortness of breath, or swollen face.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, are at risk of developing clotting disorders other than haemophilia, or have recently had surgery. These conditions may increase your risk for clotting complications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It is not known whether BeneFIX can affect your ability to have children, harm your developing baby, or pass into breast milk.
Allergic Reactions: Stop the infusion immediately and contact your doctor if you experience any signs of allergic reaction. You may need urgent medical care.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with BeneFIX and affect how well it works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: Always inform any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist that you are using BeneFIX before receiving any treatment.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you take
- Some medicines may require dose adjustments
- Your doctor will advise if you need different medicines or doses
Alcohol & Driving
BeneFIX is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Driving and Operating Machinery
BeneFIX is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Storage
Store BeneFIX in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. BeneFIX may be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) for a single period up to 6 months, but once stored at room temperature, it cannot be returned to the refrigerator and must be used within 6 months. Write the date on the package when you first store it at room temperature. After mixing the powder with solution, use immediately or within 3 hours. Keep away from children and dispose of safely at any pharmacy when no longer needed.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much BeneFIX, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
BeneFIX begins working immediately once injected into your bloodstream to help your blood clot properly.
See your doctor immediately if your bleeding does not stop as expected, as you may need medical attention or dose adjustment.
No, each vial of BeneFIX is for single use only in one patient. Discard any leftover solution and all injection materials after use.
If you see clumping of red blood cells in the tubing or syringe, discard all materials and start again with a new package. This has been reported but no side effects have occurred.
Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will show you how to use BeneFIX before your first injection. Follow the detailed instructions in the pack and ask for help if you don’t understand.
Call your doctor straight away if you need increasing amounts of BeneFIX to control bleeding, as this may indicate development of inhibitors.
BeneFIX can be stored at room temperature below 30°C for up to 6 months, making travel possible. Write the date when you first store it at room temperature and use within 6 months.
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.