Antihemophilic factor recombinant (Injection)

Introduction:

Prevents and controls bleeding episodes in people who have hemophilia A (classic hemophilia), including bleeding during surgery. This medicine is blood clotting Factor VIII.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to antihemophilic factor (recombinant), plasma/albumin-free method (also called rAHF-PFM), or to mouse or hamster proteins (found in drugs such as abciximab, darbepoetin alfa, infliximab, Aranesp?, Remicade®, Rituxan®, Reopro®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable, Solution

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
  • You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. You must use a plastic syringe. One is provided in the package with your medicine.
  • This medicine is a powder that must be mixed with a special liquid (sterile water) before you use it. The sterile water should come in the same package with the medicine. Let both the powdered medicine and the sterile water warm up to room temperature before you mix them together.
  • After you mix the powdered medicine with the water, you must use the mixture within 3 hours.
  • This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

  • Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may store this medicine at room temperature for up to 6 months, but it is best to keep in the refrigerator.
  • After you mix the powder with the sterile liquid, do not store the mixture in the refrigerator. Keep the mixture at room temperature if you cannot use it right away. You must use the mixture within 3 hours.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • This medicine treats only hemophilia A (classic hemophilia). People who have hemophilia A are missing an important protein in their blood that makes the blood clot. This protein is called Factor VIII. This medicine does not treat any other kind of hemophilia or blood clotting problem.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • LIghtheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Headache.
  • Nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation.
  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Skin rash or itchiness.
  • Unusual taste in your mouth or a change in how things taste.
  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
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