Are you a person with Hemophilia A? Or does someone in your family have this condition? If so, you probably know how important it is to control bleeding when it occurs. Today we are going to talk about the very important vaccine used for this purpose, the Antihemophilic Factor (AHF) or Factor VIII vaccine. Let's talk simply about what it is, how it is used, and what are the things to be careful about.
What is this medicine called Factor VIII?
Simply put, people with hemophilia A have little or no Factor VIII, a protein needed for blood clotting. So even a small injury can cause major bleeding. This vaccine works by providing the body with that deficient Factor VIII.
This is mainly used for:
- To prevent or control bleeding in patients with hemophilia A.
- If you are undergoing surgery, control any bleeding that may occur at that time.
- In some cases, some forms of this medicine are also used to treat another bleeding condition called von Willebrand's disease.
This medication may come under different brand names such as Advate, Kogenate, Humate-P, XYNTHA, etc. No matter what name you get, it contains the same Factor VIII.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to discuss these matters clearly with your doctor.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell us if you have ever had an allergy to human or animal (such as beef, hamster, rat, pig) proteins, other medications, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, inform your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also mention that.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide on the most suitable and safest treatment for you. So don't hide anything.
How should I use this medicine?
This is an injection into a vein . This is usually given by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic. However, some patients are taught how to give this injection at home. If you are given this injection at home, you should follow the instructions exactly . If you are unsure about how to mix the medicine or inject the injection, ask your doctor again.
When given to small children?
This medicine can be given to children of any age, as needed. However, it requires special care. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your pediatrician about it and get advice.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital in Colombo . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Don't waste time.
Special points to pay attention to
- Carry an ID card: If you have hemophilia, it is very important to carry an ID card with you at all times. It could save your life in an emergency. The card should include your name, the name and dosage of the medication you are taking, the name and phone number of your doctor, and the information of someone you can contact in case of an emergency.
- Source of medicine: Some of these medicines are made from human blood plasma. There is a very small risk of transmitting viruses or bacteria from these. However, all of these products are highly processed to kill most viruses and bacteria. If you have any questions about this, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
- Do not share the medicine: This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medication, this one can have some side effects. It's important to know what they are and what to do if they occur.
| Side Effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| If these symptoms occur, inform your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Chest pain | Chest pain with a fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Dizziness and fainting | Sudden dizziness, blurred vision, or a feeling of faintness. |
| Fever and cold-like symptoms | Symptoms such as fever, chills and shivering. |
| Numbness in the limbs | Numbness or loss of sensation in the hands or feet. |
| Yellowing of the eyes or skin | Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin. |
| If these persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Headache, nausea, vomiting | Mild headache, nausea, or vomiting. |
| Blurred vision | Slightly blurred vision. |
How to store the medicine?
If using at home, it is very important to store the medicine properly.
- Keep away from children.
- Most products should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (2-8 °C). Never store in the freezer.
- Discard any medication that has passed its expiration date without using it.
- Once the liquid for the vaccine is mixed, it should be used within 1 to 3 hours. Discard any remaining liquid.
If there are special instructions regarding the product you receive, follow them exactly.
Take-Home Message
- Factor VIII is a very important medicine that restores the blood clotting factor that is lacking in the body of hemophilia A patients and controls bleeding.
- Tell your doctor about all your allergies and health information before starting treatment.
- Follow the instructions for use and storage of the medicine exactly. If in doubt, ask again.
- Always carry an ID card that certifies that you are a hemophiliac.
- If you experience a serious side effect such as severe allergic reaction, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for your own use only. Never share it with others.
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