Antihemophilic Factor VIII/von Willebrand Factor (By injection)
an-tee-hee-moe-FIL-ik FAK-tor ATE HUE-man, Von WILL-a-brand FAK-tor HUE-man
Controls and prevents bleeding in hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease.
Drug classes
Antihemophilic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Antihemophilic factor VIII and von Willebrand factor injection is a combination product that is used to treat serious bleeding episodes in patients with a bleeding problem called von Willebrand disease (VWD). The bleeding episode may be related to an injury (trauma) or a surgical procedure. This medicine may also be used to stop bleeding in patients with hemophilia A.
Antihemophilic factor VIII and von Willebrand factor are normally produced in the body. They help clot the blood when an injury occurs. Patients with von Willebrand disease or hemophilia A do not make enough of these substances to prevent bleeding, so this product is given to increase the levels of these substances in the blood.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to antihemophilic factor or von Willebrand factor.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you received a hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccine shot, or you ever had a blood clot.
This medicine may increase your risk for blood clots, especially if you have a history of clots.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Call your doctor right away if you continue to have bleeding problems even after you use this medicine. Also call if your medicine does not seem to be working as well as usual.
This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, coughing up blood, or shortness of breath
Fever or chills
Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with speech, vision, or walking
Pain or weakness in your calf
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual bleeding or bruising
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Itching or skin rash
Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Alphanate, Humate-P, Wilate
There may be other brand names for this medicine.