Recombinant Factor VIII

What is this medication for?

Recombinant Factor VIII is used to treat and prevent bleeding in patients with haemophilia A (congenital factor VIII deficiency) which is an inherited bleeding disorder resulting in absent or reduced levels of factor VIII. This medication contains a man-made version of factor VIII, which is similar to the natural factor VIII found in the body. By replacing factor VIII, the factor VIII levels in the blood are increased, helping to temporarily correct the clotting deficiency to prevent or control bleeding. As there is currently no cure for haemophilia A, it is crucial for this medication to be administered regularly as a lifelong treatment.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Recombinant Factor VIII is given as an injection into your vein (intravenous injection) over a few minutes.
• Follow the instructions from your healthcare professional (i.e doctor or nurse) on the dose and frequency of administration.
• They will train you on how to prepare and inject this medication before you could inject yourself or administer the injection for your child at home.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

• Recombinant Factor VIII should be used regularly as per the treatment schedule agreed with your healthcare professional. If you miss your dose at the usual time, inject the next dose as soon as you remember as there is a risk of bleeding with missed doses.
• Monitor closely for any signs and symptoms of bleeding and contact your healthcare professional for advice.  

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are taking non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen or blood thinners such as Aspirin as they may increase your risk of bleeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have any dental treatments or surgical procedures planned.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

This medication is generally well tolerated. Some possible side effects include:

• Injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, or redness.
  • Apply a cool compress over the affected area for relief.
  • Make sure you rotate the injection site with each injection.
• Headache, dizziness, fever, chills, and cough.
• Pain or stiffness in the muscles and joints.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (loose and frequent stools), decreased appetite, and stomach pain.
• Skin reactions such as flushing (reddening of the skin), rash, hives, and itching.

Most of these side effects are mild and temporary. Consult your healthcare professional if any of the side effects become severe or bothersome.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

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 If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication immediately and seek medical attention.

Other rare but serious side effects include:

• Signs of abnormal blood clots (thrombosis): pain, swelling, warmth or redness in the leg or arm; sudden chest pain; shortness of breath; or coughing up blood. Proceed to the A&E department immediately to seek medical attention.
• Inhibitors (antibodies made by your immune system that stop this medication from working properly) may develop during treatment. Signs include uncontrolled bleeding with your usual dose or needing more medication than usual. Inform your doctor or nurse immediately if this happens.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional of all medications, supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies you are taking.

How should I store this medication?

Store unopened vials in the refrigerator between 2–8°C. Do not freeze.
After reconstitution, follow the storage instructions given by your healthcare professional.
Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

You may throw the empty vials away along with the used needles and syringes into a metal tin or thick plastic container (eg. detergent bottles). You can also buy a container specially designed to throw sharp items, known as a sharps box, to prevent any injuries due to the needles.

What else should I know about this medication? 

Practise safety precautions to prevent injuries such as covering or cushioning sharp edges of furniture at home and wearing appropriate protective gear during exercises. Engage in low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking and avoid high-impact or contact sports such as rugby or martial arts. Seek immediate attention if you had a fall or sustained any injuries as serious internal bleeding may occur.