Factor VIII Antihemophilic Factor, Infusion

Type of medicine: antihemophilic factor

Generic and brand names: factor VIII antihemophilic factor; ADVATE rAHF-PFM; Helixate FS; Kogenate FS; ReFacto

This medicine is a clotting factor (factor VIII). It helps people with hemophilia A prevent and control bleeding episodes.

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

These infusions are given by your health care provider at first. Later, you may be able to infuse this medicine yourself or with the help of someone at home. Your health care provider or a hemophilia center can teach you the proper technique for self-infusion. If you have not been taught how to use this medicine, do not attempt to self-infuse. Once you learn how to self-infuse, you can follow the instructions in the medicine package.

The number of infusions you need depends on how severe your bleeding is and how quickly it stops.

You will have several blood tests to determine your blood clotting time.

If your bleeding is not controlled after you receive this medicine, contact your health care provider immediately.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the health care provider or dentist you are taking this medicine. Wear some form of identification stating that you take this medicine (such as a Medic Alert bracelet).

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Weak pulse, feeling lightheaded or dizzy when you stand, chest or upper abdominal pain.

Other: Fever, headache, irritation at spot where the shot was given, swelling of your hands or feet, strange taste in the mouth, cold shivers, hot flushes, diarrhea, sweating, nausea, swelling of joints.

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Store the medicine without the diluent added to it in the refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. After you add the diluent to the medicine, use it within 3 hours. Do not refrigerate the medicine after you add the diluent. Once the medicine is kept at room temperature, it should remain so until infused. Do not put it back in the refrigerator. Any medicine left in the vial at the end of your infusion should be discarded, and you should properly dispose of the needle and syringe as well. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date printed on the vial.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.