[markeldredge]

I was just doing some filing and ran across a folder given to me by the Baxter Rep, and here are two more meds with fractions:
1) Tisseel VH (fibrin sealant) - contains protein and thrombin taken from pooled human plasma
2) FloSeal (hemostatic matrix) - contains thrombin taken from pooled human plasma
There are sealants that are completely synthetic and thereby avoid the concerns of containing a fraction, one of which is CoSeal, also from Baxter.
Does anyone work in the surgical arena, and if so, any medications you know of that contain fractions?
Also, how about someone that works in cancer therapy, or in the infusion center? I know there are medications with interferons and interleukins that we have not mentioned yet. Your input would be appreciated.

[Johnean Hansen]

There is a fairly comprehensive chapter in Dailey's Notes on Blood Fourth Edition on Blood Fractions and recombinant products with explanation. It breaks them down into catagories such as Growth factors, Plasma derived, Coagulation Factor Concentrates, Intramuscular and Intravenous Serum Immunoglobulins, Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitors, Biological Response Modifiers. There is also explanation of methods to reduce infectious agents in fractions.

[shirleyltucker]

I think the NoBlood MedGuide is a wonderful idea & will prove to be a valuable tool. I'm sure I will use it many times over. I too find that many nurses & physicians are unaware of the albumin in EPO. I've had 2 patients whose physician told them there was no "blood of any kind" in EPO leading the patient to accept the medication. When one of them found out it did indeed have albumin they were stunned as it was unacceptable to their conscience. I don't think the physicians purposly misled the patients, they simply didn't know about the albumin. Also, many professionals do not realize that Recombinant Factor VII a contains a minor fraction of blood
Shirley

[jgrossberg]

Lori: Thanks for including the link to your source. As I compile information, these references will be critical to the success of our Guide. I so appreciate having them, as it cuts down on the time I will need to spend researching each product.

Originally Posted by lori-carlson

Follow the link to the Botox product insert. Botox contains human albumin, a protein derived by fractionation. It would be a conscience matter.

Lori

Allergan :: Botox Product Overview

[jgrossberg]

Dear Johnean: I can see I need to get ahold of a copy of that text. Thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by Johnean Hansen

There is a fairly comprehensive chapter in Dailey's Notes on Blood Fourth Edition on Blood Fractions and recombinant products with explanation. It breaks them down into catagories such as Growth factors, Plasma derived, Coagulation Factor Concentrates, Intramuscular and Intravenous Serum Immunoglobulins, Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitors, Biological Response Modifiers. There is also explanation of methods to reduce infectious agents in fractions.

[E. Crum, RN]

Another medication that contains a blood component is Proferrin Forte. It is made with a derivative of bovine red blood cells (heme iron polypeptide), so this would also be a conscience matter for Jehovah's Witnesses.
Rabies vaccines are processed in a culture that contains human albumin, so this vaccine is also a conscience matter.

[LarryEitel]

Posted on behalf of Jan Grossberg

Our Guide to Medicines Containing Blood Products is taking shape!
We now have quite a number of medications that can begin to be formatted into the draft of a Guide. Thanks to all who have responded to the call for data on medicines that contain any kind of blood product. Please keep them coming!
Here is a sample of some of the responses we received:

• markeldredge remarked about how many physicians appear to be unaware that EPO [Procrit®] contains human albumin, and that it still is not available in an albumin-free formulation here in the U.S. Mark has also provided a list of other medications that contain some blood component or fraction, along with data sources. Thanks, Mark!
• shirleyltucker pointed out that some, in violation of their consciences, have agreed to accept EPO at the assurance of their doctor that it does not contain any blood fraction, when, in fact, the doctor simply did not know that it does. She mentioned that many health care professionals are also unaware that recombinant Factor VII contains albumin. How important it could be to patients and health care professionals alike to get our Guide out there in the hands of the medical community!
• It was very interesting to learn from ldpharmtec that Botox® is one of the medications that does, indeed, contain human albumin! I know of people who have had in injections to cervical nerves for migraine headache, but who most likely were unaware of this. The most commonly known use for Botox® is cosmetic "wrinkle abatement".
• Thanks to lori-carlson and Johnean Hansen, for providing links to pertinent information about this drug, including its lesser-known use in treatment of gastrointestinal conditions.
• Additional thanks to Johnean Hansen for making us aware of the information in Dailey’s Notes on Blood. I am certain that will prove valuable in compiling the information for the Guide.
• E. Crum, RN provided information on two products made with minor blood fractions: Proferrin Forte contains a substance derived from the red blood cells of cattle, and rabies vaccine is processed in a culture that contains albumin. Thanks, Liz, for supporting our Med Guide effort!

One important step, of course, as others have recognized in the past, is that each and every drug must be thoroughly researched to confirm what blood component it contains, and, if possible, what quantity. This involves obtaining accurate data regarding the specific ingredients and method of production, preferably from the product manufacturer or some other recognized authority such as a reputable lab. An authoritative source must be available for each entry in the Guide. The efforts of all who have already provided their input are most appreciated.

Our vision is to put a working draft together in the next several months, if possible, with a view toward perfecting a finished product for eventual publication in hard copy. Obviously, an online version is the most feasible and practical immediate goal. If any of our Registered Users would like to help in procuring data about the medications we already know of, I urge you to send me a private message and I will let you know how you can help. The more people who get involved, the faster we can get to an excellent and usable end product!

If you are interested in participating in the development of this feature, please contact me.

[jacobpressures]

Does the flu shot contain blood? I was told that the flu shot may contain chicken blood. Is this true and how do JWs typically respond if it is true.
Thanks!

[lori-carlson]

The following website allows you to view the product insert for several flu shot preparations. With each of the injectable vaccines, the product is made from flu viruses propagated in embryonated chicken eggs. The vaccine is suspended in a sodium chloride solution. I do not see where there is any chicken blood or even a blood derivative (fraction) used in these preparations, including the nasal spray vaccine.

Influenza Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) and Package Inserts - Minnesota Dept. of Health

[jacobpressures]

Thanks very much for the information.