Saturday 11 August 2012

Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human)


Pronunciation: AN-tee-hee-moe-FIL-ik FAK-tor/von WILL-a-brand FAK-tor
Generic Name: Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human)
Brand Name: Alphanate


Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) is used for:

Preventing and controlling bleeding in adult patients with hemophilia A. It is also used to control certain types of bleeding episodes (eg, due to injury or surgery) in patients with von Willebrand disease.


Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) is a human clotting factor complex prepared from pooled human plasma. It works by increasing the amount of clotting factor VIII and von Willebrand factor in the blood. This helps the blood to clot properly, which helps to stop bleeding.


Do NOT use Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human)

  • you have had a severe allergic reaction to other medicines that contain antihemophilic factor or von Willebrand factor

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human):


Some medical conditions may interact with Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have a history of blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eye, or if you are at risk for developing blood clots

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human). However, no specific interactions with Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) are known at this time.


Ask your health care provider if Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human):


Use Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human). Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.

  • Do NOT shake Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human).

  • Do not use Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.

  • Use Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) within 3 hours after mixing.

  • Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.

  • If you miss a dose of Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human), contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human).



Important safety information:


  • Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) comes from human blood. Rarely, patients receiving products that come from human blood have developed certain viral infections (eg, parvovirus B19, hepatitis A). Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you develop symptoms such as fever, rash, joint aches or pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

  • Discuss with your doctor whether you should receive a hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine.

  • Patients receiving products that come from human blood have a very rare risk of developing a central nervous system disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Blood clotting tests will be performed if you have surgery.

  • Lab tests, including blood clotting tests, blood hematocrit levels, factor VIII levels, or von Willebrand factor levels, may be performed while you use Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human). These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

  • Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) should be used with extreme caution in NEWBORNS; safety and effectiveness in newborns have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) while you are pregnant. It is not known if Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human), check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human):


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Mild numbness or tingling.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back or stomach pain; calf pain, swelling, or tenderness; chest pain; coughing up blood; dark urine; fever or chills; new or worsening bruising or bleeding; shortness of breath; yellowing of the skin or eyes.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.


Proper storage of Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human):

Store Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) may also be stored at room temperature, below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C), for up to 2 months. Store away from heat and light. Do not refrigerate after mixing. Keep Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human). If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) resources


  • Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) Support Group
  • 1 Review for Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) - Add your own review/rating


Compare Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor (Human) with other medications


  • Hemophilia A
  • von Willebrand's Disease

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