What is antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex?
Antihemophilic factor is a naturally occurring protein in the blood that helps blood to clot.
A lack of antihemophilic factor VIII is the cause of hemophilia A. A lack of an
antihemophilic factor called von Willebrand factor is the cause of von Willebrand disease.
This medication works by temporarily raising levels of factor VIII or von Willebrand
factor in the blood to aid in clotting.
Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex is used to
treat or prevent
bleeding episodes in adults with hemophilia A. It is also used to
treat
injury-related bleeding episodes in adults and children with von Willebrand disease.
Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex may also be used for other
purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to
antihemophilic factor in the past.
Before using antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex, tell your doctor if you
have ever had a stroke or a blood clot.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex passes
into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling
your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex is made from human plasma (part
of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease.
Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it
containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit
disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
Your doctor may want you to receive a hepatitis vaccination before you start using
antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex.
How should I take antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions
on your prescription label.
Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex is given as an injection through a
needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this
injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this
medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of
needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these
directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Always wash your hands before preparing and giving your injection.
Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex must be mixed with a liquid
(diluent) before injecting it. If you store your medicine in the refrigerator, take a medicine and
diluent vial out of the refrigerator and allow each to reach room temperature before mixing them.
You may gently swirl the medicine and diluent to mix them, but do not shake the vial
(bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine.
After mixing the medicine and diluent, the mixture should be kept at room
temperature and must be used within 3 hours. Do not put mixed medicine into the refrigerator.
Draw your dose into a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection.
Each vial is for one use only. After measuring your dose, throw the vial away, even if there is
medicine left in it.
Do not use this medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your
doctor for a new prescription.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof
container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this
container out of the reach of children and pets.
Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex is usually given every 8 to 12
hours for up to 7 days, depending on the reason you are using the medication.
Your body may develop antibodies to antihemophilic factor, making it less effective. Call
your doctor if this medicine seems to be less effective in controlling your bleeding.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects,
your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your
doctor.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have hemophilia or
von Willebrand disease in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care
provider who treats you should know that you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder.
Store the medication and diluent at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Avoid freezing.
Throw away any leftover medicine and diluent if the expiration date has passed.
What happens if I miss a dose of antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex?
Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex is sometimes used only as needed,
so you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the
missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex?
Your pharmacist has information about antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; feeling light-headed, fainting; swelling of your
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
easy bruising, increased bleeding episodes;
-
bleeding from a wound or where the medicine was injected;
-
low fever with skin rash, and joint pain, swelling, or
stiffness;
-
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the
body;
-
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech,
or balance;
-
black, bloody, or tarry stools;
-
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
or
-
nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine,
clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
-
nausea, constipation;
-
swelling, stinging, or irritation where the injection was
given;
-
skin rash or itching;
-
swelling in your hands or feet;
-
pain in your arms or legs;
-
chills; or
-
dizziness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to
antihemophilic factor in the past.
Before using antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex, tell your doctor if you
have ever had a stroke or a blood clot.
Your body may develop antibodies to this medication, making it less effective. Call your
doctor if this medicine seems to be less effective in controlling your bleeding.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects,
your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your
doctor.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have hemophilia or
von Willebrand disease in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care
provider who treats you should know that you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder.
Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex is made from human plasma (part
of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease.
Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it
containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit
disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
What should I avoid while taking antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity
while you are using this medication.
What other drugs will affect antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex?
There may be other drugs that can interact with antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand
factor complex. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you
use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.
Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex?