What's the difference between Balfaxar and Kcentra?

Both Balfaxar and [Kcentra](https://www.goodrx.com/kcentra/what-is) are prothrombin complex concentrates used to reverse the effects of warfarin (Coumadin) and have been shown to [work as well as each other](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6633921/). The only apparent difference is that Kcentra contains slightly different ingredients compared to Balfaxar.

Does Balfaxar contain heparin?

Yes, Balfaxar contains a small amount of [heparin](https://www.goodrx.com/heparin-sodium/what-is), which is another blood thinner. If you have a history of [heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.632653) and can't receive heparin products, make sure to let your provider know before receiving Balfaxar.

Balfaxar

prothrombin complex concentrate

Used for Anticoagulant Reversal

Balfaxar is an anticoagulant reversal agent used to reverse the effects of warfarin (Coumadin) in adults who need an urgent surgery or procedure. It's given as an infusion into the veins (intravenous, IV) as a single dose. Side effects include weakness, anemia, and painful urination.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on December 21, 2023

What is Balfaxar?

What is Balfaxar used for?

Prevention of bleeding in people taking warfarin (Coumadin) who need an urgent surgery or procedure

How Balfaxar works

Normally, your body uses vitamin K to make certain proteins needed to form blood clots. But warfarin (Coumadin) prevents blood clots by stopping vitamin K from working. This means people taking warfarin (Coumadin) usually have fewer of these proteins required to form blood clots, which keeps their blood thin.

Balfaxar is an anticoagulant reversal agent. It contains a mix of these proteins, and it helps to thicken the blood a bit in someone taking warfarin (Coumadin) so they don't bleed out during an urgent surgery or procedure.

Are you looking for information on Kcentra (prothrombin complex concentrate) instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Balfaxar
Drug Class	Anticoagulant reversal agent
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Balfaxar

Drug Class

Anticoagulant reversal agent

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Balfaxar

Balfaxar starts to work right away, with a full effect within 30 minutes after the end of the infusion.

During the urgent procedure, the most common side effects of Balfaxar reported in studies were pain, wound problems, weakness, anemia, painful urination, and vomiting. Balfaxar also carries a serious warning of serious blood clots. Symptoms of a blood clot might be different depending on the location of the clot. They can include swelling, warmth, or tenderness in the legs. But more seriously, clots can lead to breathing problems, heart attack, or stroke and cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, or weakness of the face, legs, or arms. Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms because this is a medical emergency.

Both Balfaxar and Kcentra are prothrombin complex concentrates used to reverse the effects of warfarin (Coumadin) and have been shown to work as well as each other. The only apparent difference is that Kcentra contains slightly different ingredients compared to Balfaxar.

Yes, Balfaxar contains a small amount of heparin, which is another blood thinner. If you have a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and can't receive heparin products, make sure to let your provider know before receiving Balfaxar.

Balfaxar dosage

Typical dosage for Balfaxar

What are alternatives to Balfaxar?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Balfaxar. Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Balfaxar

Used for:

Prevention of bleeding in people taking warfarin (Coumadin) who need an urgent surgery or procedure

View prices

Kcentra

Used for:

Treatment of a major bleed in people taking warfarin (Coumadin)
Prevention of bleeding in people taking warfarin (Coumadin) who need an urgent surgery or procedure

View prices

References

Best studies we found

American Society of Hematology. (n.d.). Blood clots.

Barmore, W., et al. (2023). Biochemistry, clotting factors. StatPearls.

Baroletti, S. A., et al. (2006). Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Circulation.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

What is Balfaxar?

What is Balfaxar used for?

How Balfaxar works

Are you looking for information on Kcentra (prothrombin complex concentrate) instead?

Drug facts

Common questions about Balfaxar

How long fast does Balfaxar work?

What are some side effects of Balfaxar?

What's the difference between Balfaxar and Kcentra?

Does Balfaxar contain heparin?

Balfaxar dosage

Typical dosage for Balfaxar

What are alternatives to Balfaxar?

References

View All References (3)

Common questions about Balfaxar

How long fast does Balfaxar work?

What are some side effects of Balfaxar?

What's the difference between Balfaxar and Kcentra?

Does Balfaxar contain heparin?