New Vial Sizes Available for Kogenate FS and Helixate FS

Horizons in Hemophilia, October 2009

Leigh Carpenter, RPh, Chief Pharmacist

Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals has announced approval by the FDA of a 3000 IU vial size of Kogenate FS.  CSL Behring also has released this larger size vial in Helixate FS.  The new vial size offers greater convenience for people who require a higher dose.  Both product lines now include a variety of vial sizes: 250, 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 IU.  The 250, 500 and 1000 IU vial sizes of both brands are mixed with 2.5ml of diluent, and the 2000 and 3000 IU sizes are mixed with 5ml of diluent.  These are some of the smallest diluent volumes available.  With these larger sizes now on the market, large doses may require fewer vials to mix than in the past.  Fewer vials mean shorter preparation and infusion time for patients and families.

Kogenate FS is available with the BIO-SET needleless transfer device or with conventional vials.  Helixate FS is packaged with the Mix2Vial needleless transfer device.  In addition to these two recombinant factor VIII products, Advate, by Baxter, also has a 3000 IU range vial available.  If you have questions about any of these products, or are interested in switching the brand you are currently using, please call the HoG pharmacist or your Hemophilia Treatment Center to discuss your options.