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
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 purposes
other than those listed in this medication guide.
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 discuss with my health care provider before using
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 use 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 given instructions on how to inject your medicine at home. Do not use
this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly
dispose of needles 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 needle and syringe only one time. Throw away used needles and syringes in a
puncture-proof container. If your medicine does not come with such a container, ask your
pharmacist where you can get one. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Your pharmacist can tell you how to properly dispose of the container.
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 the diluent in the refrigerator and do not allow them to
freeze.
You may also store the medication and diluent at room temperature for up to 2
months.
Throw away any leftover medicine and diluent if the expiration date has passed.
What happens if I miss a dose?
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.
What happens if I overdose?
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.
What should I avoid while using antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor
complex?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using this medication,
unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
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 be more likely to occur, such as:
-
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.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor
complex?
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect 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.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has information about antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor
complex written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor is available with a prescription under the
brand name Humate-P. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your
pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
-
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.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.03. Revision Date: 04/25/2007 11:46:51 AM.
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