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Overview: Kovaltry is used to treat or prevent certain types of bleeding in people with hemophilia A. It works by replacing a protein called factor VIII, which temporarily helps your blood to clot properly. Common side effects include feeling fever, headache, and rash.

Uses

What is Kovaltry used for?

Hemophilia A is a condition that causes your blood to not clot properly. Kovaltry (antihemophilic factor, recombinant) is commonly used to treat or prevent certain types of bleeding in people with hemophilia A.

Kovaltry may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Kovaltry work (mechanism of action)?

Hemophilia A is caused when your body does not make enough of a certain protein called factor VIII, which normally helps cause your blood to clot. Kovlatry works by replacing factor VIII, which temporarily helps your blood to clot properly.

How is Kovaltry supplied (dosage forms)?

Kovaltry is available in an injectable form in multiple strengths in single-dose vials.

How should I store Kovaltry?

Kovaltry may be given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic, or it may be given at home after training by a health care provider. If you will store Kovaltry at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Kovaltry?

The most common side effects of Kovaltry are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Rash

There may be other side effects of Kovaltry that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Kovaltry?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Kovaltry are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Kovaltry may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Kovaltry and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Kovaltry?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Kovaltry.

  • Antihemophilic factor, recombinant
  • Kovaltry
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Kovaltry.

Allergy to Hamster or Mouse Proteins. Do not use Kovatry if you are allergic to hamster or mouse proteins. Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to hamsters, hamster proteins, mice, or mouse proteins.

What should I know about Kovaltry before using it?

Do not use Kovaltry unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Kovaltry with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Kovaltry out of the reach of children.

Kovaltry may be given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic, or it may be given at home by yourself or a caregiver after proper training by your health care provider. If you use Kovaltry at home, make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare, use, and throw away this medicine. Read and follow the instructions that come with the medicine. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Your health care provider should monitor your blood work while you are being treated with Kovaltry. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked.

Some people have an immune system reaction to Kovaltry that causes it to stop working as well. This is called neutralizing antibodies or inhibitors. Your health care provider should monitor your immune system with blood tests while you are being treated. Talk to your health care provider if you think Kovaltry is not working or if you have been told that you have inhibitors to factor VIII.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Kovaltry?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Kovaltry is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Heart Disease. Tell your health care provider if you have heart disease or have been told you are at risk for heart disease.

Planned Surgery. Tell your health care provider if you have any planned surgeries or procedures.

Upcoming Travel Plans. Tell your health care provider if you are planning to travel in the near future. You may need to take Kovaltry with you so that you do not miss any doses while traveling. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Kovaltry could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Kovaltry passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Kovaltry?

For more information about Kovaltry, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.kovaltry-us.com or call them at 888-606-3780.

Interactions

Does Kovaltry interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Kovaltry and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Kovaltry.

Does Kovaltry interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Kovaltry and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Kovaltry?

If you or someone else has used too much Kovaltry, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Kovaltry?

If you receive Kovaltry from a health care provider in a hospital or clinic, your health care provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Kovaltry dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

If you use Kovaltry at home and you miss a dose, call your health care provider for instructions. Do not use double or extra doses.