von willebrand factor at a glance
Medicine class
Human plasma-derived clotting factor replacement
Main use
Preventing or treating bleeding in von Willebrand disease when desmopressin alone is unsuitable or ineffective
Administration
Given into a vein after the powder has been reconstituted
Supervision
Treatment is initiated and monitored by a clinician experienced in bleeding disorders
What is von willebrand factor used for?
Licensed uses represented by the selected UK product are:
Prevention and treatment of bleeding in people with von Willebrand disease when desmopressin alone is ineffective or contraindicated.
Prevention and treatment of bleeding associated with surgery in the same context.
Use across all age groups under specialist supervision.
It is not intended to treat haemophilia A.
How does von willebrand factor work?
The replacement factor binds at damaged blood vessels and helps platelets attach, supporting the first stage of clot formation. It also binds and stabilises the body’s factor VIII, so factor VIII levels rise more gradually with this low-factor-VIII formulation.
von willebrand factor preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 1000 units
How to take von willebrand factor
A healthcare professional usually reconstitutes the powder and gives it by slow intravenous injection. Home administration is possible only after approval and practical training from the specialist team.
Use aseptic technique and the supplied transfer system.
Gently swirl rather than shake the vial.
Use only a clear or slightly opalescent, colourless or slightly yellow solution; do not use it if cloudy or containing deposits.
Use promptly after reconstitution and do not mix it with other medicines in the same syringe.
Record the product name and batch number after each administration.
von willebrand factor side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reactions around the infusion or needle site, including inflammation or discomfort
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis, including breathing difficulty, swelling, widespread hives, fainting or low blood pressure
- Blood clots, which may cause severe chest pain or a cold, pale or painful limb
- Development of neutralising antibodies, suspected when expected factor levels are not reached or bleeding remains uncontrolled
von willebrand factor in pregnancy
Clinical safety data in pregnancy are limited, so the selected product should be used only when clearly indicated. Pregnancy and delivery should be planned with the haemophilia and maternity teams because bleeding risk and treatment requirements can change, particularly after birth.
von willebrand factor while breastfeeding
Clinical safety has not been specifically studied during breastfeeding. Use is reserved for situations where the specialist considers it clearly indicated; discuss feeding plans with the haematology and maternity teams.
von willebrand factor interactions
No medicine interactions with human von Willebrand factor products are known, but the clinical team should still review all medicines and supplements.
Other injectable medicines
Do not mix them with this product in the same syringe; additional clotting factors are administered separately when required.
Common questions about von willebrand factor
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What does von Willebrand factor replace?
It replaces the clotting protein that is missing, reduced or not working properly in von Willebrand disease.
How does von Willebrand factor stop bleeding?
It helps platelets attach to damaged blood vessels and protects factor VIII from rapid breakdown.
When is von Willebrand factor used instead of desmopressin?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.