What is Advate rAHF-PFM (Antihemophilic 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.

This medication works by temporarily raising levels of factor VIII in the blood to aid in clotting.

Recombinant antihemophilic factor is used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in adults and children with hemophilia A. It is also used to control bleeding related to surgery or dentistry in a person with hemophilia, and to prevent joint damage in people age 16 or older with severe hemophilia A and no prior joint damage.

Recombinant antihemophilic factor is not for use in people with von Willebrand disease.

Recombinant antihemophilic factor may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Advate rAHF-PFM (Antihemophilic Factor)?

Do not use this medication if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to antihemophilic factor in the past, or if you are allergic to mouse or beef proteins.

Before using recombinant antihemophilic factor, your specific blood clotting disorder must be diagnosed as factor VIII deficiency. Recombinant antihemophilic factor will not treat von Willebrand disease.

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 recombinant antihemophilic factor 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.

Advate rAHF-PFM Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Advate rAHF-PFM (Antihemophilic 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.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain
• easy bruising, increased bleeding episodes; or
• bleeding from a wound or where the medicine was injected

Less serious side effects may include:

• sore throat, cough, runny nose
• fever or chills
• mild nausea, vomiting
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
• skin itching or rash
• warmth, redness, itching, or tingling under your skin
• joint pain or swelling
• dizziness
• headache; or
• swelling, stinging, or irritation where the injection was given

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Advate rAHF-PFM Interactions

What other drugs affect Advate rAHF-PFM (Antihemophilic Factor)?

There may be other drugs that can affect recombinant antihemophilic factor. 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.

What should I avoid while taking Advate rAHF-PFM (Antihemophilic Factor)?

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

Advate rAHF-PFM Dosage

How should I take Advate rAHF-PFM (Antihemophilic 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. Always check the strength of the medicine on the label to be sure you are using the correct potency.

Recombinant antihemophilic factor 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.

Recombinant antihemophilic factor 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.

Gently swirl the medicine and diluent to mix them and allow the medicine to completely dissolve.

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.

Recombinant antihemophilic factor is usually given every 8 to 24 hours for 1 to 4 days, depending on the reason you are using the medication.

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.

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.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have hemophilia 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 the diluent in the refrigerator and do not allow them to freeze.

You may also store the medication and diluent at room temperature until the expiration date on the label. Some brands of this medicine can be stored at room temperature for only a certain number of months, or until the expiration date (whichever comes first). Follow the storage directions on the medicine label.

Do not store this medicine in bright light. Throw away any leftover medicine and diluent if the expiration date has passed.

What happens if I overdose on Advate rAHF-PFM (Antihemophilic Factor)?

Call your doctor if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of recombinant antihemophilic factor is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Advate rAHF-PFM (Antihemophilic Factor)?

Recombinant antihemophilic factor 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 and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com