Protein C Concentrate

Protein C concentrate is used as replacement therapy in congenital or acquired protein C deficiency for the prevention and treatment of warfarin-induced skin necrosis during oral anticoagulation.

Protein C concentrate is available under the following different brand names: Ceprotin and Protein C Concentrate Human.

Dosages of Protein C Concentrate:

Protein C Deficiency

• Indicated for prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis and purpura fulminans in patients with congenital Protein C deficiency
• Acute episode or short-term prophylaxis: Initial 100-120 IU/kg intravenously (IV), then 60-80 International Units/kg IV every 6 hours for 3 doses; THEREAFTER 45-60 IU/kg IV twice daily/four times daily
• Long-term prophylaxis: 45-60 IU/kg IV every 12 hours

Other Information

• Adjust to higher peak protein C activity levels during periods of increased thrombolytic risk caused by infection, trauma, and surgery
• Maintain trough protein C activity levels greater than 25%

Side effects of Protein C Concentrate include:

• Hypersensitivity
• Allergic reactions
• Lightheadedness
• Itching
• Rash

Other side effects of protein C concentrate include:

• Hemothorax
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Increased sweating
• Fever
• Restlessness
• Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Protein C concentrate has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Protein C concentrate has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Protein C concentrate has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Protein C concentrate has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains protein C concentrate. Do not take Ceprotin or Protein C Concentrate Human if you are allergic to protein C concentrate or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• None

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Protein C Concentrate?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Protein C Concentrate?"

Cautions

• Contains traces of mouse proteins and heparin: risk of allergic reactions
• Made from human plasma: theoretical risk of transmitting blood-borne pathogens
• Risk of bleeding with simultaneous administration of tPA and/or anticoagulants
• Contains heparin: risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia; if suspected, check platelet counts immediately and discontinue administration
• Daily dose contains greater than 200 mg sodium
• Risk of shortened half-life in cases of acute thrombosis, purpura fulminans and skin necrosis
• Risk of allergic reactions

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use protein C concentrate with caution during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies were done.

It is not known if protein C concentrate is distributed into breast milk. Use caution while breastfeeding.