human coagulation factor VIII + von willebrand factor at a glance
Medicine class
Plasma-derived clotting-factor replacement
Licensed use
Prevention and treatment of bleeding in haemophilia A
Food
Food does not affect this intravenous treatment
What is human coagulation factor VIII + von willebrand factor used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treating bleeding in haemophilia A caused by congenital factor VIII deficiency
Preventing bleeding in haemophilia A, including around surgery or procedures
How does human coagulation factor VIII + von willebrand factor work?
Factor VIII replaces the deficient clotting protein in haemophilia A, helping thrombin and fibrin form a stable clot. Von Willebrand factor carries and protects factor VIII and contributes to platelet adhesion at damaged blood vessels.
How to take human coagulation factor VIII + von willebrand factor
Use only after training from the haemophilia team. Reconstitute the powder using the supplied water for injections and transfer equipment.
Let the vials reach room temperature before preparation.
Swirl gently; do not shake.
The solution should be clear or slightly opalescent. Do not use it if cloudy, clotted or visibly particulate.
Inject it into a vein as instructed and use the prepared solution promptly.
Do not mix it with another medicinal product or use unapproved infusion equipment.
human coagulation factor VIII + von willebrand factor side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or sleepiness
- Vertigo
- Itching or rash
- Redness, rash or pain at the injection site
- Chills or fever
- Swollen hands or feet
- Muscle or joint stiffness
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including throat swelling, wheezing, low blood pressure or shock
- Persistent or uncontrolled bleeding, which may indicate factor VIII inhibitors
- Catheter-site or bloodstream infection, or catheter-associated thrombosis, when central venous access is used
human coagulation factor VIII + von willebrand factor in pregnancy
Experience during pregnancy is limited, and the selected product should be used only when clearly indicated. Specialist haematology and obstetric teams should coordinate care because bleeding risk may increase around procedures, miscarriage and childbirth.
human coagulation factor VIII + von willebrand factor while breastfeeding
The selected product information reports limited experience and says treatment should be used only when clearly indicated. UK specialist bleeding-disorder information considers factor concentrate compatible with breastfeeding, but treatment should be agreed with the haemophilia and maternity teams.
human coagulation factor VIII + von willebrand factor interactions
No interactions between human factor VIII products and other medicines have been reported. Do not mix the solution with other medicines, and tell the haemophilia team about all prescribed, non-prescribed and complementary products.
Common questions about human coagulation factor VIII + von willebrand factor
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
The selected UK product prevents and treats bleeding in people of all ages with haemophilia A.
Is it licensed for von Willebrand disease?
Not under the selected Optivate licence, whose stated indication is haemophilia A. Other factor VIII–von Willebrand factor products may have different UK licences.
What should the solution look like after mixing?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.