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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using 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.

To make sure you can safely use this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had a stroke or a blood clot.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

Your doctor may want you to receive a hepatitis vaccination before you start using antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex.

How should I use antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate, Humate-P)?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex is usually given every 8 to 12 hours for up to 7 days, depending on the reason you are using the medication.

Always wash your hands before preparing and giving your injection.

Antihemophilic factor-von Willebrand factor complex must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.

You may gently swirl the medicine and diluent to mix them, but do not shake the vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine.

After mixing the medicine with a diluent, store at room temperature and use it within 3 hours. Do not refrigerate.

Prepare your dose in a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Each single use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.

Use a disposable needle only once. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Your body may develop antibodies to antihemophilic factor, 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.

Store the medication and diluent at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label has passed.

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