Medications and Drugs

1. OTC and Prescription Drug Abuse Slideshow
2. Sex-Drive Killers: Causes of Low Libido
3. Slideshow: Common Allergy Triggers

Brand Names: Alphanate, Humate-P

Generic Name: antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Pronunciation: an tee hee moe FIL ik FAK tor - von WIL e brand FAK tor)

• What is antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate, Humate-P)?
• What are the possible side effects of antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate, Humate-P)?
• What is the most important information I should know about antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate, Humate-P)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate, Humate-P)?
• How should I use antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate, Humate-P)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Alphanate, Humate-P)?
• What happens if I overdose (Alphanate, Humate-P)?
• What should I avoid while using antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate, Humate-P)?
• What other drugs will affect antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate, Humate-P)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate, Humate-P)?

Antihemophilic factor is a naturally occurring protein in the blood that helps blood to clot.

A lack of antihemophilic factor VIII is the cause of hemophilia A. A lack of an antihemophilic factor called von Willebrand factor is the cause of von Willebrand disease.

This medication works by temporarily raising levels of factor VIII or von Willebrand factor in the blood to aid in clotting.

Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex is used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in adults with hemophilia A. It is also used to treat injury-related bleeding episodes in adults and children with von Willebrand disease.

Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate, Humate-P)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• easy bruising, increased bleeding episodes;
• bleeding from a wound or where the medicine was injected;
• low fever with skin rash, and joint pain, swelling, or stiffness;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• constipation;
• swelling, stinging, or irritation where the injection was given;
• skin rash or itching;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• pain in your arms or legs;
• chills; or
• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate, Humate-P)?

Do not use this medication if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to antihemophilic factor in the past.

Before using antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex, tell your doctor if you have ever had a stroke or a blood clot.

Your body may develop antibodies to this medication, making it less effective. Call your doctor if this medicine seems to be less effective in controlling your bleeding.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you have hemophilia or von Willebrand disease in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder.

Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.