Rixubis (Nonacog Gamma (Recombinant Coagulation Factor Ix))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Rixubis Used For?
Rixubis is a recombinant coagulation factor IX product used to treat people with haemophilia B (Christmas disease), who are deficient in coagulation factor IX.
Primary Uses
Rixubis is used to prevent and control bleeding in people with haemophilia B. Your doctor may give you Rixubis when you have surgery. When used regularly (prophylaxis), it can reduce the number of bleeding episodes.
How It Works
Rixubis works by replacing the missing factor IX in your blood to enable proper blood clotting. It is produced using recombinant technology and does not contain any human blood, preservatives, or added animal or human components.
Good to know: Rixubis is made without human blood products and contains no preservatives or added animal components
How to Take Rixubis
Rixubis is given as an injection directly into your veins. You should be trained on how to do infusions by your healthcare provider or haemophilia treatment centre. Many people with haemophilia B learn to infuse their medicine by themselves or with the help of a family member.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use based on your weight, the severity of your haemophilia B, and where you are bleeding. Each vial is for single use only in one patient. Inject your medicine as soon as possible or within 3 hours after dissolving the powder. Do not infuse any faster than 10 mL per minute.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss or forget your injection, proceed with the next administration immediately, and continue at regular intervals as advised by your doctor.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose
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:
- stomach-flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting and stomach pain)
- runny nose
- sore throat
- headache
- diarrhoea
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions including rash or hives
- itching
- tightness of the throat
- chest pain or tightness
- difficulty breathing
- lightheadedness
- dizziness
- nausea
- fainting
Important Warnings
Before using Rixubis, it’s important to tell your doctor about your medical history and any allergies you may have.
Who Should Not Take Rixubis
Do not use Rixubis if you are allergic to hamsters or allergic to any ingredients in Rixubis.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any medical problems, take any medicines (including prescription and non-prescription medicines, supplements or herbal remedies), have any allergies including allergies to hamsters, or have been told that you have inhibitors to factor IX (because Rixubis may not work for you).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. It is not known if Rixubis may harm your unborn baby or if it passes into your milk and can harm your baby.
Allergic Reactions: Stop the infusion immediately and contact your doctor if you experience allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, chest discomfort, wheezing, dizziness, hives, faintness, chills, flushing, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and/or a swollen face
Drug Interactions
Rixubis must not be mixed with other injectable medicines. Always tell your healthcare providers that you are using Rixubis.
Important: Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are using Rixubis
- Other injectable medicines (must not be mixed)
Alcohol & Driving
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving while using Rixubis.
Storage
Store Rixubis below 30°C for the duration of its shelf life. Store in the original package to protect from light. Rixubis contains no preservatives. Once reconstituted (after dissolving the powder with sterile water), it must be used within 3 hours and cannot be stored or refrigerated. Discard any medicine left in the vial at the end of your infusion. Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label.
Overdose Information
If you inject more medicine than your doctor recommends, immediately contact your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (tel: 131 126 in Australia, or tel: 0800 764 766 in New Zealand). Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rixubis works by replacing factor IX to enable blood clotting. You may need blood tests after getting your medicine to ensure your blood level of factor IX is high enough to clot your blood.
No, each vial of Rixubis is for single use only, in one patient only. You must discard any residue after use.
See your doctor immediately if your bleeding does not stop as expected after using Rixubis.
Talk to your healthcare provider before traveling. Plan to bring enough medicine for your treatment. Obtain a written statement from your physician explaining why you need this medicine and injecting devices, as you may not be allowed to bring it into some countries without proper documentation.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects that bother you or do not go away. For serious allergic reactions like rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swollen face, call your doctor or get emergency treatment right away.
No, Rixubis must not be mixed with other injectable medicines. Always use only the materials provided in the box for dissolving and injecting Rixubis.
Once you dissolve the powder with sterile water, the reconstituted Rixubis must be used within 3 hours and cannot be stored or refrigerated.
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.