Antihemophilic Factor, AHF, Factor VIII injection

What is this medication?

ANTIHEMOPHILIC FACTOR (AHF or FACTOR VIII) (an tee hee moe FIL ik fak tir) is used to prevent or control bleeding in patients with hemophilia A. This medicine is also used in these patients during surgery. Some products are used to treat von Willebrand's disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Advate, AFSTYLA, Alphanate, Bioclate, ESPEROCT, Helixate, Helixate FS, Hemofil M, Humate-P, Koate, Koate-DVI, Kogenate, Kogenate FS, Kogenate FS with Bio-Set, Kogenate FS with Vial Adaptor, Kovaltry, Monarc-M, Monoclate-P, Novoeight, Recombinate, ReFacto, Wilate vonWillebrand, XYNTHA, XYNTHA Pre-Filled, XYNTHA Solofuse

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an unusual or allergic reaction to human or animal (cow, hamster, mouse, or pig) proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. If you are given this medicine for home use, you will be instructed in the proper injection technique. Follow the directions exactly.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children of all ages for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss doses. Ask your doctor or health care professional for instructions if you miss a dose.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Some products are derived from human plasma, and there is a small risk that these products may contain certain types of virus or bacteria. All products are processed to kill most viruses and bacteria. If you have questions concerning the risk of viral infections, discuss them with your doctor or health care professional.

If you are a hemophilia patient, carry an identification card with you at all times. The card should have your name, the name and dose of your medication(s), the name and phone number of your doctor or health care professional, and a contact person in case of emergency.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• chest pain
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever or chills, flu-like symptoms
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• stomach pain
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision
• flushing
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Be sure to follow the directions for the specific product you take. Most products are stored in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Once the solution has been prepared, use it within 1 to 3 hours. Throw away any unused medicine.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.