human hemin at a glance
Medicine class
Haem replacement and other haematological agent
Main role
Treatment of acute hepatic porphyria attacks
Administration
Hospital-prepared intravenous infusion through a large forearm or central vein
Specialist access
UK treatment and urgent clinical support are coordinated through specialist porphyria services
What is human hemin used for?
Human hemin is licensed in the UK to treat acute attacks of hepatic porphyria.
Acute intermittent porphyria
Variegate porphyria
Hereditary coproporphyria
How does human hemin work?
Acute hepatic porphyrias disrupt haem production, allowing toxic precursors including ALA and porphobilinogen to accumulate. Human hemin restores feedback control in the liver and reduces further precursor production.
human hemin preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 25 mg/mL
How to take human hemin
Human hemin is administered by trained hospital staff, not taken by mouth or self-injected.
The concentrate is diluted immediately before administration with sodium chloride solution in a glass bottle.
It is infused into a large forearm or central vein using an inline filter.
The vein is flushed with sodium chloride afterwards.
The prepared solution is dark, even after dilution.
human hemin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Difficulty maintaining suitable venous access
- Pain, swelling or inflammation at the infusion site
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylactoid or other hypersensitivity reaction, including tongue swelling
- Venous or injection-site thrombosis
- Infusion leakage causing marked discolouration or tissue necrosis
human hemin in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited and the risk is not defined, although no effects were reported in newborn babies whose mothers received treatment. Use only when clearly necessary following specialist assessment; the ethanol content also requires consideration.
human hemin while breastfeeding
Human hemin has not been studied during breastfeeding. Specialist advice is needed because transfer into milk and effects on the infant are uncertain; use is recommended only when clearly necessary.
human hemin interactions
The porphyria team should review all prescribed, over-the-counter and hormonal medicines.
Oestrogens
They may trigger or worsen attacks, while treatment may reduce their systemic exposure.
Barbiturates
They may precipitate attacks, and their systemic exposure may be reduced during treatment.
Corticosteroids
Some may worsen porphyria, and increased metabolism during treatment may lower their systemic exposure.
Other cytochrome P450 substrates
Their metabolism may increase during treatment, potentially reducing exposure and requiring clinical review.
Common questions about human hemin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is human hemin the same as haem arginate?
The selected product contains human hemin formulated with arginine and is commonly described clinically as haem arginate.
Does human hemin prevent future porphyria attacks?
It is not licensed as routine preventive treatment; regular long-term infusions may cause iron overload.
Why must an attack be confirmed first?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.