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Overview: Antihemophilic factor, human, 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 nervousness, headaches, and stomach pain.

Uses

What is antihemophilic factor, human, used for?

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

Antihemophilic factor, human, may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does antihemophilic factor, human, 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. Antihemophilic factor, human, works by replacing factor VIII, which temporarily helps your blood to clot properly.

How is antihemophilic factor, human, supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Hemofil M
  • Koate

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 IU single-dose vials
  • 500 IU single-dose vials
  • 1,000 IU single-dose vials
  • 1,700 IU single-dose vials

How should I store antihemophilic factor, human?

Antihemophilic factor, human, is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of antihemophilic factor, human?

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

  • Nervousness
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in your arms, feet, or face
  • Blurred vision

There may be other side effects of antihemophilic factor, human, 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 antihemophilic factor, human?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Antihemophilic factor, human, may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using antihemophilic factor, human, 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

Blood Disorders. Antihemophilic factor, human, may cause your red blood cells to be destroyed, which is called hemolytic anemia. Your health care provider may run tests and stop antihemophilic factor, human, if you have hemolytic anemia.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use antihemophilic factor, human?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use antihemophilic factor, human.

  • Antihemophilic factor, human
  • Hemofil M
  • Koate
  • Mouse proteins
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific antihemophilic factor, human, products they stock.

What should I know about antihemophilic factor, human, before using it?

Do not use antihemophilic factor, human, unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

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

Antihemophilic factor, human, is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. 

Your health care provider should monitor your bloodwork while you are being treated with antihemophilic factor, human. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked.

Antihemophilic factor, human, is made from human blood. There is a small risk that antihemophilic factor, human, may contain a substance called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease agent, which can cause a rare brain disorder. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

Some people have an immune system reaction to antihemophilic factor, human, 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 antihemophilic factor, human, is not working.

Antihemophilic factor, human, can rarely cause a type of liver infection brought on by a virus called hepatitis A. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of hepatitis A.

  • Loss of appetite
  • Tiredness
  • Fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Dark urine (pee)
  • Yellowish skin

Antihemophilic factor, human, can rarely cause infection with a virus called parvovirus B19. The risk is higher in pregnancy or people with a weakened immune system. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of parvovirus B19.

  • Fever or chills
  • Drowsiness
  • Runny nose
  • Rash
  • Joint pain

What should I tell my health care provider before using antihemophilic factor, human?

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 antihemophilic factor, human, 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.

  • Immune system problems
  • Planned surgery

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how antihemophilic factor, human, could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

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

Interactions

Does antihemophilic factor, human, interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between antihemophilic factor, human, and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect antihemophilic factor, human.

Does antihemophilic factor, human, interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between antihemophilic factor, human, 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 antihemophilic factor, human?

If you or someone else has used too much antihemophilic factor, human, 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 antihemophilic factor, human?

Antihemophilic factor, human, is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving antihemophilic factor, human, as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your antihemophilic factor, human, dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.