Feiba is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it is injected slowly into a vein. It can be given:
- In the hospital, by a nurse or doctor
- At home, by trained patients or caregivers
Instructions for use:
- Reconstitute (mix) the powder with the provided sterile water
- Shake gently until fully dissolved
- Use a filter needle and a sterile syringe
- Inject the medicine slowly into a vein (over a few minutes)
- Do not shake too hard or heat the solution
- Always check the expiration date and look for particles before using
Feiba should not be mixed with other medicines in the same syringe.
In normal blood clotting, certain clotting factors work together to stop bleeding. People with hemophilia don’t have enough of these factors, especially factor VIII (in hemophilia A) or factor IX (in hemophilia B).
Some people develop inhibitors, which are antibodies that block the treatment (factor replacement therapy). This makes it harder to stop bleeding.
Feiba bypasses the blocked steps in the clotting process. It contains a mix of activated and non-activated clotting factors (mainly factors II, VII, IX, and X). These help the blood to clot even if inhibitors are present.
Feiba helps to:
- Stop active bleeding
- Prevent bleeding during surgeries
Lower the risk of spontaneous bleeds
Like all medicines, Feiba can cause side effects, ranging from mild to serious. Most people use it safely, but some may experience the following:
Common side effects:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
Serious side effects:
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, stroke, heart attack)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing)
- Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that needs emergency help)
- Chest pain or tightness
- Kidney problems (rare)
Call your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms like chest pain, breathing trouble, weakness in one side of the body, or unusual bleeding.
Feiba is very powerful, so it must be used carefully:
- Clotting risk: Feiba can cause serious blood clots, especially if used in high doses or along with other clotting medicines
- Not for use with rFVIIa: Combining these drugs raises the risk of dangerous clots
- Monitor blood pressure and heart health, especially in older adults
- Use caution in people with a history of blood clots, heart problems, or liver disease
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use only if clearly needed and under medical advice
Doctors may do blood tests to check clotting and ensure the medicine is working safely.
- Do not use Feiba with activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) due to a high risk of blood clots
- Avoid using antifibrinolytic agents (like tranexamic acid) close to Feiba treatment, as this may increase the risk of clots forming in the body
Always tell your doctor about all the medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking before using Feiba.
Feiba dosage is based on units per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Each vial is labeled with how many units it contains.
Typical dosage ranges:
- For mild bleeding: 50–75 units/kg every 12 hours
- For moderate bleeding: 75–100 units/kg every 12 hours
- For major bleeding or surgery: Up to 100 units/kg every 6–12 hours
- Maximum daily dose: Should not exceed 200 units/kg in 24 hours
Feiba should not be used too frequently or in high doses unless absolutely necessary due to clotting risks. Always follow your doctor’s exact instructions.
Feiba is a prescription-only medicine. It cannot be bought over the counter. It must be prescribed by a specialist, such as a hematologist, who treats bleeding disorders.
Before prescribing Feiba, your doctor will:
- Review your medical history
- Confirm the presence of inhibitors
- Order blood tests to check clotting levels
- Provide training if Feiba will be used at home
Feiba is usually kept in hospitals and specialty pharmacies that manage rare and complex conditions. It may also be provided through home infusion services.