NovoThirteen (Catridecacog)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is NovoThirteen Used For?
NovoThirteen is a specialized medication designed to help people who have a deficiency in factor XIII, an important blood clotting protein.
Primary Uses
NovoThirteen is used to prevent bleeding in patients who do not have enough factor XIII in their blood.
How It Works
NovoThirteen contains catridecacog, which is identical to human coagulation factor XIII. It replaces the missing factor XIII and helps stabilize blood clots by producing a protective mesh around the clot.
How to Take NovoThirteen
NovoThirteen is given as an injection into a vein and requires special preparation before use. The powder must be mixed with the provided solvent before injection.
Dosage Instructions
Your dose depends on your body weight. The usual dose is 35 IU for each kilogram of body weight. The dose volume in milliliters = 0.042 x your body weight in kg. For small children weighing less than 24 kg, the medication should be diluted with 6.0 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% solution, and the dose volume = 0.117 x body weight in kilograms. Injections are given once a month (every 28 ± 2 days) at a rate not higher than 2 mL per minute.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Contact your doctor as soon as possible so they can take appropriate action. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Important: Do not inject yourself without proper training from your doctor or haemophilia nurse. The medication should be used immediately after preparation, or within 3 hours at room temperature or 24 hours if refrigerated.
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:
- Injection site reactions (redness, itching, tenderness, pain, discomfort)
- Headache
- Leg or arm pain
- Frequent infections (fever, severe chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reaction (sudden rash, hives, itching)
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or other body parts
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- Low blood pressure (cold clammy skin, rapid weak heartbeat)
- Feeling dizzy
- Sweating
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before using NovoThirteen.
Who Should Not Take NovoThirteen
Do not use NovoThirteen if you are allergic to catridecacog or any of the ingredients listed in the medication guide.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had: higher risk of blood clots forming (thrombosis), allergies to yeast protein, liver damage, or if you plan to have surgery. Also inform your doctor if you are using other blood clotting factors, as it is not recommended to use NovoThirteen and recombinant factor VIIa together.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Unexpected Bleeding: Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexpected bleeding during treatment. Antibodies against NovoThirteen could decrease treatment effectiveness and result in unexpected spontaneous bleeding episodes.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with NovoThirteen and affect how it works.
- Blood clotting factor concentrates (do not use at the same time)
- Medicines used to reduce the dissolving of blood clots
- Recombinant factor VIIa (not recommended to use together)
Alcohol & Driving
There is no specific information available about interactions between NovoThirteen and alcohol or its effects on driving ability.
Alcohol
There is no specific information on any possible interactions of NovoThirteen with alcohol. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
There is no specific information on the use of NovoThirteen and driving or using machines. Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how NovoThirteen affects you.
Storage
Store NovoThirteen at 2-8°C (refrigerated). Do not freeze the medication. Keep it in the original package to protect it from light. Store where young children cannot reach it. Do not use after the expiry date, which refers to the last day of that month.
Overdose Information
If you are given or give yourself too much NovoThirteen, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will take appropriate action. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
NovoThirteen works by replacing missing factor XIII to help stabilize blood clots. Your doctor will monitor your bleeding and treatment effectiveness.
NovoThirteen injections are given once a month, every 28 days (plus or minus 2 days).
Do not inject yourself without proper training from your doctor or haemophilia nurse. Proper training is essential for safe self-administration.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexpected bleeding during treatment. This could indicate that antibodies are affecting the medication’s effectiveness.
The powder must be mixed with the provided solvent before injection. The solution should be clear and colorless. Use immediately after preparation, or within 3 hours at room temperature or 24 hours if refrigerated.
Contact your doctor as soon as possible so they can take appropriate action. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed injection.
Do not use NovoThirteen and blood clotting factor concentrates at the same time. It’s also not recommended to use NovoThirteen with recombinant factor VIIa. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
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.