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Overview: Rixubis is a medicine that is given as an injection to treat or prevent bleeding in certain people with hemophilia B. It works by replacing factor IX, which temporarily helps your blood to clot properly. This medicine may change how things taste. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, vision changes, or sudden weakness on one side of your body.

Uses

What is Rixubis used for?

Rixubis (factor IX human, recombinant) is commonly used to treat or prevent certain types of bleeding in people with hemophilia B, which is a condition that causes your blood to not clot properly. It may be used for the following.

  • To prevent or treat bleeding episodes
  • To prevent or treat bleeding during or after surgery

Rixubis may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Rixubis work (mechanism of action)?

Hemophilia B is caused when your body does not make enough of a protein called factor IX, which normally helps your body form blood clots to stop bleeding. Rixubis works by replacing factor IX, which temporarily helps your blood to clot properly.

How is Rixubis supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Rixubis

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 IU single-dose vials
  • 500 IU single-dose vials
  • 1000 IU single-dose vials
  • 2000 IU single-dose vials
  • 3000 IU single-dose vials

How should I store Rixubis?

If you or a caregiver will store Rixubis at home, store the vial in the box until you are ready to use the medicine. Store Rixubis in the refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C) or at room temperature up to 86 F (30 C) for up to 36 months. Do not freeze. Throw away after the expiration date on the carton or vial. 

Once the medicine is prepared for use, use it within three hours or throw it away.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Rixubis?

The most common side effects of Rixubis are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Change in how things taste
  • Pain in an arm or leg

There may be other side effects of Rixubis that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Rixubis?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Rixubis are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rixubis may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Rixubis and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Antibodies. Your body may make antibodies (proteins made by your immune system to attack a foreign substance) against Rixubis while you are using it. These antibodies can keep Rixubis from working the way it should. Your health care provider may do blood tests to monitor your factor IX levels and look for these antibodies. Keep all of your appointments, including those for lab work, while you are using it. Tell your health care provider if you are bleeding more often or Rixubis does not seem to be working as well as it used to. 

Blood Clots. Rixubis may cause blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in your lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep veins (deep venous thrombosis or DVT). Stop using Rixubis and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots. 

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes 
  • Double vision

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Rixubis?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Rixubis.

  • Factor IX human, recombinant
  • Hamster protein
  • Rixubis
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Rixubis.

Clotting Problems. People who have either fibrinolysis or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) should not use Rixubis. People with fibrinolysis may have bleeding because their body breaks down blood clots. People with DIC may have problems with either clotting or bleeding.

What should I know about Rixubis before using it?

Do not use Rixubis unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. This medicine is given into one of your veins. If you use Rixubis at home, make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use it. Read the “Instructions for Use” that come with your medicine. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Do not share Rixubis with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Rixubis out of the reach of children. As this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Your health care provider will likely monitor your blood work while you are being treated with Rixubis. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked.

If you are using Rixubis at home to treat a bleeding episode, call your health care provider or get medical care right away if your bleeding does not stop.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Rixubis?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Rixubis is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • History of blood clots
  • Have inhibitors or antibodies to factor IX
  • Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rixubis may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Rixubis, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Rixubis could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Rixubis passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Rixubis while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Rixubis?

For more information about Rixubis, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.rixubis.com or call them at 888-229-8379.

Interactions

Does Rixubis interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Rixubis and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Rixubis. Alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol that you drink.

Does Rixubis interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Rixubis may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Rixubis?

If you or someone else has used too much Rixubis, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Rixubis?

Missing doses of Rixubis can cause it to not work. So, it is important not to miss or skip doses.

If a health care provider gives you Rixubis, they will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Rixubis dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. 

If you get your Rixubis doses at home and miss a dose, call your health care provider for instructions.