Living With Hemophilia A
Tips for living well with hemophilia A
For more information about the tips for living with hemophilia, visit these websites or read these publications: the World Federation of Hemophilia website (http://www1.wfh.org/publications/files/pdf-1472.pdf), and Hunter S. Travel and vacation planning (https://www.hemophilia.org/sites/default/files/document/files/Nurses-Guide-Chapter-15-Travel-Vacation-Planning.pdf).
Living with hemophilia A may be stressful at times, but there are ways to help manage the condition. You can use these simple tips to help prevent bleeds and prepare for emergencies.
Carry identification with your hemophilia A medical background
- It's important to have identification with you at all times. Carry a card or wear a bracelet that lists your hemophilia type, your treatment, and the name and phone number of your doctor
Prepare before traveling
- Find the locations and phone numbers of blood disorder treatment centers near your destination before you leave home
- Bring a supply of factor with you in case of an unexpected bleed. You should also bring a travel letter from your doctor and a prescription with your doctor's contact information for airport security (TSA)
Find hemophilia A treatment that fits your needs
- Visit a blood disorder specialist regularly. A specialist can give you information and care adapted to your specific needs
- Tell all of your caregivers, including other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, about your hemophilia. They may need to modify your treatment
Exercise appropriately for your hemophilia A
- Exercise regularly. You may experience fewer injuries (and bleeds) if you become stronger and more flexible
- It's best to avoid contact sports (like football). Instead, try low-impact exercises such as walking and swimming
- Talk to your doctor for tips on how to modify your favorite sports and exercises to increase safety
Avoid certain medications
- Certain medications thin your blood and may increase bleeding. Check with your doctor before taking anything new. Even over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements should be reviewed by your doctor
Visit a dentist regularly
- Good dental health prevents bleeds caused by gum disease or oral surgery. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day and visit your dentist for regular checkups
Important Safety Information
ALPHANATE is contraindicated in patients who have manifested life-threatening immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to the product or its components.
Anaphylaxis and severe hypersensitivity reactions are possible with ALPHANATE. Discontinue use of ALPHANATE if hypersensitivity symptoms occur, and initiate appropriate treatment.
Development of procoagulant activity-neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) has been detected in patients receiving FVIII-containing products. Carefully monitor patients treated with AHF products for the development of FVIII inhibitors by appropriate clinical observations and laboratory tests.
Thromboembolic events have been reported with AHF/VWF complex (human) in VWD patients, especially in the setting of known risk factors.
Intravascular hemolysis may occur with infusion of large doses of AHF/VWF complex (human).
Rapid administration of a FVIII concentrate may result in vasomotor reactions.
Because ALPHANATE is made from human plasma, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, eg, viruses, the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) agent, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent, despite steps designed to reduce this risk.
Monitor for development of FVIII and VWF inhibitors. Perform appropriate assays to determine if FVIII and/or VWF inhibitor(s) are present if bleeding is not controlled with expected dose of ALPHANATE.
The most frequent adverse drug reactions reported with ALPHANATE in >1% of infusions were pruritus, headache, back pain, paresthesia, respiratory distress, facial edema, pain, rash, and chills.
Please see full Prescribing Information for ALPHANATE.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1.800.FDA.1088.