What is Hemin Therapy and How Much Does it Cost?

Understanding Hemin: A Lifesaving Treatment for Acute Intermittent Porphyria

Hemin therapy offers life-saving relief for those suffering from Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP), a rare and painful genetic disorder. Administered through an IV, this specialised treatment quickly eases intense abdominal pain and neurological symptoms by targeting the root cause. It is a rare but vital therapy for critical porphyria attacks.

What is Hemin Therapy?

Hemin is an intravenous medication that helps control sudden porphyria flare-ups. It lowers excess porphyrins in the blood, which are harmful compounds behind the disorder’s severe symptoms.

The recommended dose is 1 to 4 mg per kg of body weight per day, usually given over 10 to 15 minutes for 3 to 14 days.

Used when basic treatments like glucose fail, hemin provides faster recovery and prevents long-term damage, especially in frequent or hormone-triggered attacks.

How Much Does Hemin Cost in India?

The price of Hemin in India is generally high due to its rare and specialised nature. Imported brands like Panhematin and Normosang mainly supply human hemin injections used to treat acute hepatic porphyria.

These injections are costly because of limited global manufacturing, strict storage requirements, and the complexity of sourcing medicines for rare conditions.

In India, Hemin injection prices vary based on brand and sourcing. For instance, one bottle may cost around Rs. 2,50,000 despite customs duty being waived in March 2023.

Most suppliers list it as ‘Price on Request’ and require a valid prescription and supporting documents for import approval.

How to Use and Store Hemin Safely?

Healthcare providers administer Hemin intravenously, typically under close medical supervision. Caution is advised for individuals with bleeding disorders, known allergies, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. While generally well-tolerated, Hemin may cause side effects such as prolonged bleeding time.

To ensure safety, it is important to avoid overdosing. The medication should be stored in a refrigerator at 2–8°C to preserve its potency and effectiveness.

Does Hemin Have Any Side Effects?

Hemin may cause side effects like fever, skin discolouration, swelling, or pain at the injection site. Some rare but serious effects include irregular heartbeat, dark urine, unusual bleeding, or yellowing of the skin. Always inform your doctor if any symptoms appear or persist during or after treatment.

Important Distinction: Not All Hemin Products Are the Same

In India, several products labelled as Hemin are available as powders or syrups, often used for iron deficiency or research purposes, such as bovine or porcine-derived Hemin.

Researchers use some for cell protection studies, bacterial growth analysis, colony assays, and preparing agar media. Prices for these research-grade Hemin products range from around Rs. 1,400 to Rs. 76,000, depending on purity, quantity, and brand.

In addition, basic over-the-counter Hemin syrups are also sold at much lower prices, typically around Rs. 200 for 450 ml syrups. These are not substitutes for the specialised injectable Hemin required for acute porphyria.

For those diagnosed with acute porphyria, timely access to the right treatment can make all the difference. While injectable Hemin offers effective relief, its availability and cost remain major challenges. Always seek expert medical advice to explore safe, suitable options tailored to your condition and treatment needs.