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 not 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 medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card 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) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but 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.
To make sure you can safely use this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had a stroke or a blood clot.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
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) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but 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.