What is Alphanate (Antihemophilic Factor Von Willebrand Factor)?

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Alphanate (Antihemophilic Factor Von Willebrand Factor)?

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.

Alphanate Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Alphanate (Antihemophilic Factor Von Willebrand Factor)?

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 include:

• 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

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Alphanate Interactions

What other drugs affect Alphanate (Antihemophilic Factor Von Willebrand Factor)?

There may be other drugs that can interact with 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.

Back to Top

What should I avoid while taking Alphanate (Antihemophilic Factor Von Willebrand Factor)?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using this medication.

Alphanate Dosage

How should I take Alphanate (Antihemophilic Factor Von Willebrand Factor)?

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 shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, 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 disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

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 diluent at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Avoid freezing.

Throw away any leftover medicine and diluent if the expiration date has passed.

What happens if I overdose on Alphanate (Antihemophilic Factor Von Willebrand Factor)?

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 happens if I miss a dose of Alphanate (Antihemophilic Factor Von Willebrand Factor)?

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.

Edited from everydayhealth.com