Hemin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 18, 2024.

Applies to hemin: intravenous powder for solution.

Common side effects of hemin

Some side effects of hemin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• headache

Less common side effects

• rash

Incidence not known

• dry, red, hot, or irritated skin

Serious side effects of hemin

Along with its needed effects, hemin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking hemin:

Less common side effects

• bluish color
• changes in skin color
• fever
• itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin
• redness or pain at the catheter site
• swelling of the foot or leg tenderness

Incidence not known

• back pain
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• dark urine
• decreased urination
• dizziness
• fainting
• fever
• irregular heartbeat
• lightheadedness
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• stomach pain
• tiredness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• yellow eyes or skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to hemin: intravenous powder for injection.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported adverse reactions included headache, pyrexia, infusion site reactions, and phlebitis.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Poor venous access
• Common (1% to 10%): Phlebitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Venous thrombosis^[Ref]

Phlebitis with or without leukocytosis and with or without mild pyrexia was observed after administration of this drug through small arm veins.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, cellulitis
• Frequency not reported: Dermatitis medicamentosa^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Tongue edema

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Leukocytosis
• Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, hemolysis^[Ref]

Coagulopathy included prolonged prothrombin time and prolonged partial thromboplastin time.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylactoid reaction, hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity reactions included a report of an infusion-related anaphylactoid reaction presenting as circulatory collapse.^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site phlebitis, infusion site pain, infusion site swelling
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site thrombosis
• Frequency not reported: Infusion site erythema, infusion site bleeding, infusion site extravasation^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Postmarketing reports: Iron overload^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia, catheter-related complications
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased serum ferritin

Catheter-related complications included erythema, pain, bleeding, extravasation, and infusion site swelling.

Increased serum ferritin concentration has been reported after several years of treatment with repeated infusions, which may indicate an iron overload.

Renal

• Postmarketing reports: Reversible renal shutdown^[Ref]

Reversible renal shutdown has been observed after the administration of excessive doses (12.2 mg/kg).^[Ref]

Further information

Hemin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer