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Alphanate is used to prevent or treat bleeding in people with certain bleeding disorders. Allergic reactions and headaches are common side effects. Get emergency help if you have chest pain, chest pressure, or trouble breathing. 

Uses

What is Alphanate used for?

Alphanate (antihemophilic factor/von Willebrand factor complex) is commonly used for the following types of bleeding in people with hemophilia A or certain people with von Willebrand disease. 

  • To prevent or treat sudden bleeding episodes
  • To prevent or treat bleeding during or after surgery

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

How does Alphanate work (mechanism of action)?

People who have hemophilia A or von Willebrand disease do not make enough of their own proteins called antihemophilic factor (factor VIII) or von Willebrand factor (VWF). Your body uses these proteins to form blood clots to stop bleeding. This medicine increases these protein levels and helps your body form blood clots to prevent or stop bleeding.

How is Alphanate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Alphanate

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 IU factor VIII (FVIII) single-dose vials
  • 500 IU factor VIII (FVIII) single-dose vials
  • 1000 IU factor VIII (FVIII) single-dose vials
  • 1500 IU factor VIII (FVIII) single-dose vials
  • 2000 IU factor VIII (FVIII) single-dose vials

How should I store Alphanate?

Alphanate is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store Alphanate at home, store at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C). Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Alphanate?

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

  • Severe allergic reactions (see below)
  • Headache
  • Back pain
  • Numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in your arms, feet, or face (paresthesia)
  • Chills

There may be other side effects of Alphanate 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 Alphanate?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Alphanate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Alphanate 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

Risk of Infection. Alphanate is made from human blood and may carry germs, such as viruses, that can cause infections. The drugmaker takes steps to reduce the risk, such as screening donors and testing samples for infections. There is still a small chance you could get an infection. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following new symptoms. 

  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Weakness or general ill feeling
  • Yellowish eyes or skin
  • Joint pain
  • Loss of appetite

Blood Clots. Alphanate may cause blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT). You may be at a higher risk for blood clots if you have certain health conditions or take certain medicines. Stop using Alphanate and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots. 

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes 
  • Double vision

Antibodies. Your body may make antibodies (proteins made by your immune system to attack a foreign substance) against Alphanate while you are using it. These antibodies can keep Alphanate from working the way it should. Your health care provider may do blood tests to monitor your factor VIII or von Willebrand factor levels and look for these antibodies. Keep all of your appointments, including those for lab work, while you are using it. Tell your health care provider if you are bleeding more often or Alphanate does not seem to be working as well as it used to.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Alphanate?

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

  • Alphanate
  • Antihemophilic factor/von Willebrand factor complex
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Alphanate before using it?

Do not use Alphanate unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. This medicine is given into one of your veins. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Alphanate.

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

Keep Alphanate out of the reach of children.If this medicine is kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

If you are using Alphanate at home to treat a bleeding episode, call your health care provider or get medical care right away if your bleeding does not stop. 

Keep all of your appointments, including those for lab work. Your health care provider needs test results to help you use this medicine safely.

Talk to your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. Ask about your need for hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.

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

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 Alphanate is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • History of blood clots
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Smoke tobacco
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Cancer
  • 65 years old or older
  • Surgery
  • Have inhibitors or antibodies to factor VIII or von Willebrand factor
  • Blood group A, B, or AB

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Alphanate 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 Alphanate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Alphanate while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Alphanate?

For more information about Alphanate, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.alphanate.com/en/patients.

Interactions

Does Alphanate interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Alphanate, but alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Alphanate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Alphanate may interact with certain 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 Alphanate?

If you or someone else has used too much Alphanate, 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 Alphanate?

Alphanate is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as recommended by your health care provider. Do not use double or extra doses.