antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex

Generic Name: antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (an tee hee moe FIL ik FAK tor - von WIL e brand FAK tor)
Brand names: Humate-P, Wilstart, Dried Factor VIII Fraction Type 8Y, Haemate P, Optivate, Alphanate

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.

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.

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.

Before using antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex, tell your doctor if you have ever had a stroke or a blood clot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Throw away any leftover medicine and diluent if the expiration date has passed.

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.

Call your doctor if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand complex is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using this medication.

• 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.

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.

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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