Hematin (or panhematin) is an iron that acts as an enzyme inhibitor and comes from processing red blood cells. It's used to treat liver diseases such as acute jaundice. Hematin is processed as a dry powder and reconstituted with sterile water so that it can be injected into the patient. Because it's processed from human blood, there's the problem of infectious viruses being carried with the medication. Hematin has also caused other side effects.
Renal Failure
One side effect of hematin therapy is renal failure. This is when the kidneys can no longer function to remove impurities in the urine. The RxList website says reversible renal shutdown has been known to happen with excessive doses of hematin.
Phlebitis
When hematin has been injected into small veins in the arm, phlebitis has occurred as a side effect. The RxList website says phlebitis (vein inflammation from a blood clot) may occur with or without increased white blood cell production or a mild fever.
Uncommon Side Effects
Side effects that are not common with hematin use include mild fever, aches and circulatory collapse. The Porphyrin Handbook reports these less common side effects in its discussion of the genetic disorders of the blood, called porphyries.
Infection
Because hematin is made from processed blood cells, there is the possibility of blood-born infectious diseases such as viruses in spite of screening and testing. The RxList website says the risk of infection, as well as the possibility of contracting Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease--a rare degenerative brain disease--are possibilities.
Side Effects Reduction
Complications from hematin therapy such as renal injury, clotting and bleeding disorders can be limited by using a free-flowing intravenous line in administration. The Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition website says hematin should be given as soon as possible after it's dissolved, and repeated infusions in children should be administered through a central venous catheter to reduce side effects.
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