Drugs & Vitamins

ReFacto Active Ingredients: Antihemophilic Factor (Human or Recombinant)   Representative Names: AHF (Human), AHG, Advate, Alphanate, Factor VIII, Hemofil M, Humate-P, Koate DVI, Koate-HP, Kogenate FS, Monarc-M, Monoclate-P, Profilate HP, ReFacto What is antihemophilic factor injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with antihemophilic factor? What side effects may I notice from receiving antihemophilic factor? What should I watch for while taking antihemophilic factor? Where can I keep my medicine? What is antihemophilic factor injection? (Back to top) Antihemophilic factor (AHF, Factor VIII) is a natural protein, normally present in the blood that helps blood to clot. A deficiency or lack of this protein is responsible for the inherited disease, hemophilia A. Antihemophilic factor helps to prevent or control bleeding in patients who lack factor VIII, treats joint bleeds, or prevents bleeding complications during surgery. Some antihemophilic factor products may be used to treat von Willebrand's disease. A number of antihemophilic factor products are available and can come from human or animal sources or are man-made. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or if you are HIV-positive •an unusual or allergic reaction to human or animal (cow, hamster, mouse, or pig) proteins •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Antihemophilic factor is for injection into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. If you are given antihemophilic factor for home use, you will be instructed in the proper injection technique. Follow the directions exactly. Always wash your hands before use. Only use a disposable syringe once. Let the powder and solution warm to room temperature before use. Follow mixing directions carefully to avoid foaming. Swirl but do not shake the solution. Throw away any unused portion. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) Try not to miss doses. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for instructions if you miss a dose. What drug(s) may interact with antihemophilic factor? (Back to top) No drug-drug interactions have been reported for antihemophilic factor. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving antihemophilic factor? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •allergic reactions including difficulty breathing, hives, rash, tightness in throat, swelling of tongue, or wheezing •chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) •fever or chills •dizziness, fainting •increased tiredness •shortness of breath or swelling in a leg •signs of viral infection including fever, drowsiness, chills, runny nose followed in about 2 weeks by a rash and joint pain •yellowing of skin or eyes, stomach pain Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •blurred vision •flushing •headache •nausea, vomiting •numbness or tingling in hands or feet What should I watch for while taking antihemophilic factor? (Back to top) Some antihemophilic factor products are derived from human plasma, and there is a small risk that these products may contain certain types of virus or bacteria. All products are processed to kill most viruses and bacteria. If you have questions concerning the risk of viral infections, discuss them with your prescriber or health care professional. If you are a newly diagnosed hemophiliac, you should have a hepatitis A and B vaccination. If you are a hemophilia patient, carry an identification card with you at all times. The card should have your name, the name and dose of your medication(s), the name and phone number of your prescriber or health care professional, and a contact person in case of emergency. If you are going to have surgery or a dental procedure, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you use a antihemophilic factor product. Patients should consider enrolling in voluntary programs with their prescribers to be notified of any product recalls. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. For most products, store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). For unreconstituted Helixate® FS or Kogenate® FS, storage at room temperature (up to 25 degrees C or 77 degrees F) for up to 3 months is allowed. Once stored at room temperature, Helixate® FS or Kogenate® FS should not be returned to the refrigerator for storage. For any Antihemophilic Factor, factor VIII product, read and make sure to follow individual manufacturer's storage guidelines each time you get a supply; older forms of Helixate® FS, Kogenate® FS, and other brands should not be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze. Throw away after expiration date. Once the solution has been prepared, use it within 1—3 hours. Last Updated:02/13/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.