factor VIII at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant blood coagulation factor VIII replacement
Licensed use
Prevention and treatment of bleeding in congenital haemophilia A
Who can use it
The selected product is licensed for all age groups
How it is given
Injection into a vein after mixing the powder with its supplied solvent
Important risk
Factor VIII inhibitors can reduce or stop the treatment response
What is factor VIII used for?
The selected factor VIII product is licensed for congenital haemophilia A in all age groups.
Preventing bleeding episodes.
Treating bleeding episodes.
Providing factor VIII replacement around surgery when clinically required.
How does factor VIII work?
The selected product supplies recombinant factor VIII. Once activated, it supports thrombin and fibrin formation so that a stabilising blood clot can form.
factor VIII preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 250 units, 500 units, 1000 units, 1500 units, 2000 units, 3000 units
How to take factor VIII
Use only after training from the haemophilia team. Mix the powder with the supplied sodium chloride solvent using clean, aseptic technique. Gently swirl rather than shake. Check that the solution is clear to slightly opalescent, without particles or discolouration, then inject it into a vein as instructed.
Wash and dry your hands before preparation.
Do not use damaged, expired or potentially contaminated equipment.
Do not mix the prepared solution with other intravenous medicines or infusions.
Preferably use the solution immediately after preparation.
factor VIII side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site redness or itching.
- Changes in liver-enzyme blood tests.
- Flushing, rash, cough, vomiting or inflammation of a superficial vein have been reported in some patient groups.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, wheezing, swelling, widespread hives, dizziness or collapse.
- Factor VIII inhibitors, which may cause bleeding to persist or stop responding as expected.
- Catheter-related infection or thrombosis when a central venous access device is used.
factor VIII in pregnancy
Experience during pregnancy is limited, so the selected product should be used only when clearly indicated. Specialist haematology and obstetric care is required.
factor VIII while breastfeeding
There is little direct experience during breastfeeding. Use the selected product only when clearly indicated after discussion with the haemophilia specialist and maternity or primary-care team.
factor VIII interactions
No interactions between recombinant factor VIII and other medicines have been reported. Tell the haemophilia team about all medicines being used.
Other intravenous medicines or infusions
Do not mix them with the prepared solution or in the same administration equipment because compatibility has not been established.
Common questions about factor VIII
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is factor VIII the same as NovoEight?
NovoEight is a brand of recombinant factor VIII containing turoctocog alfa.
Is NovoEight made from donated blood?
No. It is made using recombinant DNA technology in cultured cells, without adding human- or animal-derived protein during manufacture.
Can factor VIII be self-injected at home?
Many people or carers can administer factor replacement at home after training and assessment by their haemophilia team.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.