Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant) (patient information)

About your treatment
Your doctor has ordered antihemophilic factor (recombinant) to help your blood to clot. The drug will be either injected directly into your vein or added to an intravenous fluid that will drip through a needle or catheter placed in your vein for approximately 5-10 minutes. It may be given as often as two or three times daily or only occasionally, such as once every two or more weeks.

Antihemophilic factor (recombinant), a synthetic version of substances naturally produced by the body, activates substances in your blood to form clots and decrease bleeding episodes. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how your symptoms respond to the medication.

Precautions
Before administering antihemophilic factor (recombinant):


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have ever had a reaction to an antihemophilic factor or if you are allergic to any drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aminocaproic acid (Amicar), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin (Lovenox, Normiflo), interferon alfa (Roferon-A, Intron), vincristine (Oncovin), vitamin K, and other vitamins.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking antihemophilic factor (recombinant), call your doctor.
 * if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking antihemophilic factor (recombinant), before any surgeries or procedures.

Administering your medication
Before you administer antihemophilic factor (recombinant), look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Gently squeeze the bag or observe the solution container to make sure there are no leaks. Do not use the solution if it is discolored, if it contains particles, or if the bag or container leaks. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.

It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not stop your therapy on your own for any reason. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider. Your health care provider may tell you to stop your infusion if you have a mechanical problem (such as a blockage in the tubing, needle, or catheter); if you have to stop an infusion, call your health care provider immediately so your therapy can continue.

Minor Side Effects
Antihemophilic factor (recombinant) may cause side effects. Tell your health care provider if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * dizziness
 * headache
 * sore throat
 * itching
 * upset stomach
 * vomiting
 * tiredness

Severe Side Effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop your infusion and call your health care provider immediately:


 * increased pulse rate
 * hives
 * unusual bleeding or bruising
 * difficulty breathing
 * chest discomfort or tightness
 * chills
 * fever

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storing your medication
Your health care provider will probably give you a several-day supply of antihemophilic factor (recombinant) at a time. You will be told how to prepare each dose.

Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.

Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Signs of infection
If you are receiving antihemophilic factor (recombinant) in your vein or under your skin, you need to know the symptoms of a catheter-related infection (an infection where the needle enters your vein or skin). If you experience any of these effects near your intravenous catheter, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:


 * tenderness
 * warmth
 * irritation
 * drainage
 * redness
 * swelling
 * pain

Brand names

 * Helixate® FS
 * Kogenate® FS
 * Recombinate®
 * ReFacto®

Other names

 * AHF
 * Factor VIII (Recombinant)