Off-license use of recombinant activated factor VII

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been widely used in the treatment of bleeding episodes in haemophiliac patients with inhibitors. In haemostatic circles it has also been assessed in reversing oral anticoagulant therapy. Over the last few years, it has been used "off-label" in patients with uncontrolled bleeding due to haemostatic abnormalities due to trauma and/or massive blood loss, thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction or liver dysfunction. This review examines the proposed mechanism of action of rFVIIa in the context of current concepts of haemostasis and its pharmacological properties. The "off-license" use of rFVIIa is reviewed. The tatter are reported mainly as case reports, case series. There is an overwhelming need for randomized controlled trials to assess rFVIIa's efficacy, dosing and safety in current "off-license" use. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.