Octaplas

Octaplas injection is a pooled plasma blood product for the replacement of multiple coagulation factors in patients with acquired deficiencies due to liver disease, or undergoing heart surgery or liver transplant.

This drug can also be used in plasma exchange in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. This drug is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional.

Before using Octaplas, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies regarding the correlation of age to the effects of plasma injection have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.

Studies in the elderly regarding the correlation of age to the effects of plasma injection have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.

Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects.

Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare professional if you have any other medical problems such as allergy to fresh frozen plasma, plasma-derived products, Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency, Protein S deficiency, bleeding problems, heart failure, pulmonary edema, or liver transplant.

Proper usage of Octaplas requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. A trained healthcare professional will be the only one to give you this drug in a hospital. This drug is administered intravenously through a needle placed in one of your veins.

You will be advised to undergo some blood tests before receiving this drug. There must be ABO-blood group compatibility before receiving this drug.

Before using Octaplas, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis such as rash, itching, lightheadedness or dizziness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this drug.

Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you have symptoms of pulmonary edema such as chest pain, difficult noisy breathing, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, troubled breathing, or weight gain.

If you have symptoms of a blood clotting problem caused by low levels of Protein S such as tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins at the injection site, consult with your healthcare professional immediately. Increased doses of this drug can cause citrate toxicity or hypocalcemia.

Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you have confusion, convulsions, muscle spasms, numbness or tingling sensation around the mouth, fingertips, or feet, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

This drug is made from donated human blood which has a low chance of transmitting viruses to people who have received them.

The risk is kept low by testing both human donors and donated blood for viruses. Consult with your healthcare professional for any concerns.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Octaplas. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as

• burning
• crawling
• itching
• numbness
• prickling
• "pins and needles" or tingling feelings
• dizziness
• faintness or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fast heartbeat
• hives
• itching or rash
• muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs or face
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue
• shortness of breath
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.